An in vitro evaluation of a new cannula tip design compared with two clinically established cannula-tip designs regarding aortic arch vessel perfusion characteristics.

We investigated in vitro aortic arch vessel perfusion characteristics of single and multiple jet-stream cannulae and a new dispersion stream tip aortic cannula. Pressures and flows of all arch vessels were measured while directing cannulae jets at the different arch vessels using 6 l/min pump flow. The highest increase in pressure above the set systemic level of 80 mmHg and increase in flow above the set normal flow distribution in the arch vessels occurred in the jet-streamed arch vessels with the single stream cannula. The values were as follows: 29 mmHg and 118 ml/min for the innominate artery, 28 mmHg and 42 ml/min for the left common carotid artery, and 25 mmHg and 54 ml/min for the left subclavian artery. The dispersion stream cannula showed increases in pressure and flow, followed by the multiple stream cannula. Aortic cannula tips and the orientation of jets are potential sources of imbalances of arch vessel perfusion with possible clinical implications regarding perfusion of arch vessels during extracorporeal circulation.