OBJECTIVE: Various types of rotary blood pumps (axial flow, centrifugal) have been introduced into clinical use recently. These pumps have different pressure-flow characteristics, and some investigators have noted that a limited pump flow rate and less pulsatility are the problems with the axial flow devices. METHODS: A new implantable centrifugal blood pump was developed that has an extremely flat pressure-flow curve and is able to produce a significantly high pump flow rate of 20 l/min at a low pressure of 10-30mmHg. When the pressure difference between the left ventricle and aorta decreases during systole, an instant high peak flow is achieved, which results in a higher peak pressure in the aorta (systolic pressure). During the diastolic phase, the left ventricle-aorta pressure difference increases to maximum, and the pump flow rate decreases to minimum. Thus, the pump flow rate becomes completely pulsatile, and the high peak flow provides a higher mean pump flow rate. This pump was applied to two end-stage heart failure patients (dilated cardiomyopathy, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV, inotrope-dependent). RESULTS: The pump was observed to provide completely pulsatile high flow assistance of 6-9 l/min with a constant pump speed. Both patients are currently in NYHA class I after 1 year on the device with no major adverse events. CONCLUSION: The new centrifugal blood pump provides completely pulsatile high-flow circulatory support with a constant pump speed, which solves the current clinical problems with rotary blood pumps.
OBJECTIVE: Various types of rotary blood pumps (axial flow, centrifugal) have been introduced into clinical use recently. These pumps have different pressure-flow characteristics, and some investigators have noted that a limited pump flow rate and less pulsatility are the problems with the axial flow devices. METHODS: A new implantable centrifugal blood pump was developed that has an extremely flat pressure-flow curve and is able to produce a significantly high pump flow rate of 20 l/min at a low pressure of 10-30mmHg. When the pressure difference between the left ventricle and aorta decreases during systole, an instant high peak flow is achieved, which results in a higher peak pressure in the aorta (systolic pressure). During the diastolic phase, the left ventricle-aorta pressure difference increases to maximum, and the pump flow rate decreases to minimum. Thus, the pump flow rate becomes completely pulsatile, and the high peak flow provides a higher mean pump flow rate. This pump was applied to two end-stage heart failurepatients (dilated cardiomyopathy, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV, inotrope-dependent). RESULTS: The pump was observed to provide completely pulsatile high flow assistance of 6-9 l/min with a constant pump speed. Both patients are currently in NYHA class I after 1 year on the device with no major adverse events. CONCLUSION: The new centrifugal blood pump provides completely pulsatile high-flow circulatory support with a constant pump speed, which solves the current clinical problems with rotary blood pumps.
Authors: T Akimoto; K Yamazaki; P Litwak; K N Litwak; O Tagusari; T Mori; J F Antaki; M V Kameneva; M J Watach; M Umezu; J Tomioka; R L Kormos; H Koyanagi; B P Griffith Journal: Artif Organs Date: 1999-08 Impact factor: 3.094
Authors: E V Potapov; M Loebe; B A Nasseri; H Sinawski; A Koster; H Kuppe; G P Noon; M E DeBakey; R Hetzer Journal: Circulation Date: 2000-11-07 Impact factor: 29.690
Authors: K Yamazaki; P Litwak; O Tagusari; T Mori; K Kono; M Kameneva; M Watach; L Gordon; M Miyagishima; J Tomioka; M Umezu; E Outa; J F Antaki; R L Kormos; H Koyanagi; B P Griffith Journal: Artif Organs Date: 1998-06 Impact factor: 3.094