title: Evaluation of extracorporeal perfusion catheters using a standardized measurement technique--the M-number.
abstract: Cannulas used for extracorporeal circulating devices are made in many shapes and sizes. Side hole placement, length, and wall thickness can make the pressure-flow characteristics of catheters with similar French sizes quite different in their actual performance. A single value, the M-number, has been developed that describes the pressure-flow characteristics of an individual cannula. This number can be used to compare catheters and assess their potential utility for given bypass requirements. The M-numbers for commonly used catheters that are placed by extrathoracic dissections are determined. Clinical situations are presented that demonstrate applications of the M-number.
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor 48109.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Sinard
authors.forename: S I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Merz
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Hatcher
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Montoya
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Bartlett
mesh_terms: D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D015199:Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation / Q000295:instrumentation*