Survey of blood pump diaphragm damage in the NIPRO-ventricular assist device.

We surveyed the incidence of blood pump diaphragm damage (rupture or crack) in the NIPRO-ventricular assist device (VAD). In the cases in which rupture or suspected blood pump crack was detected, we disassembled the pumps to visually check the condition of the diaphragm after replacement or use. Of 366 blood pumps surveyed, diaphragm damage was observed in 2.7 %. The duration of use of the blood pumps with diaphragm damage was significantly longer than that of pumps without damage. The incidence of diaphragm damage increased with longer duration of use. On the basis of these findings, blood pump diaphragm damage in the NIPRO-VAD may be associated with duration of use. However, some blood pumps were used for prolonged periods without diaphragm damage. All blood pumps with damage had a crack in the diaphragm on the air chamber side near the diaphragm-housing (D-H) junction. Cracks were not found in any specific part of the diaphragm. In blood pumps with diaphragm rupture, the crack had a through-hole reaching the blood-contacting surface. Although we were unable to identify the causes of the cracks, it is suggested that when a crack appears in the diaphragm it will gradually expand and eventually lead to rupture. If a crack is detected in a blood pump, we advocate replacing the pump before it grows. When the NIPRO-VAD is used, it is necessary to keep in mind that blood pump diaphragm damage may occur.