Evaluation of extracorporeal perfusion catheters using a standardized measurement technique--the M-number.
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.
Sinard
J M
JM
University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor 48109.
Merz
S I
SI
Hatcher
M D
MD
Montoya
J P
JP
Bartlett
R H
RH
D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D015199:Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation / Q000295:instrumentation*