title: Afterload-dependent flow fluctuation of centrifugal pump: should it be actively fixed?
abstract: To evaluate the clinical meaning and effects of afterload-dependent flow fluctuation in a centrifugal pump, concomitant measurement of flow rate and mixed venous oxygen saturation (SVO2) was performed in 5 cases of open heart surgery in which the patients underwent cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with the Terumo Capiox centrifugal pump. Continuous measurement of SVO2 using the 3M CDI System 100 was performed with a disposable cuvette incorporated into the drainage circuit. After the target flow rate of 2.4 L/min/m2 was obtained under a nonbeating condition, the pump rotational speed was fixed. During the cooling and low temperature period, SVO2 decreased as the flow rate spontaneously decreased but still stayed around 80% even with a 15-20% decrease in blood flow rate. This indicates that a luxury perfusion condition is ensured as long as the body temperature is kept low. In contrast, during the rewarming period, SVO2 decreased to around 70-75% despite a 15-25% spontaneous increase in flow rate. Although this level of SVO2 still indicates adequate systemic perfusion, there is a possibility of regional hypoperfusion in patients with such conditions as cerebrovascular disease. In conclusion, although diligent adjustment of the physiological fluctuating flow rate in the centrifugal pump seems unnecessary during conventional open heart surgery, manual control may be necessary especially during the rewarming period, normothermic surgery, or circulatory assist for shocked patients. From this study, we also conclude that the major benefit of the afterload-independent autoflow control system of the centrifugal pump is the improvement of safety in terms of the fixed reservoir level and the handling of cardiopulmonary bypass.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Heart Institute of Japan, Tokyo Women's Medical College.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nishida
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Akazawa
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nishinaka
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aomi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Endo
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Koyanagi
mesh_terms: D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000502:physiology; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass; D002498:Centrifugation; D003080:Cold Temperature; D003326:Coronary Circulation / Q000502:physiology*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology