Axial flow catheter pump for circulatory support.
OBJECTIVE
The development of a percutaneously insertable catheter pump for temporary left ventricular and circulatory support in patients with acute ischemic cardiomyopathy.


METHODS
The expandable axial flow pump (introduction diameter 9-F, expanded diameter 6.5 mm) is mounted at the tip of a catheter, designed to be placed in aortic transvalvular position. Hydrodynamic tests were performed in a static flow model and in a pulsatile mock circuit (Medos VAD, Stolberg, Germany). Cardiogenic shock was simulating in vitro and in vivo.


RESULTS
At a rotation speed of 32,000 rpm the catheter pump delivered a maximum flow of more than 4.0 L/min against a systemic mean pressure of 60 mmHg. Under shock simulation the pump significantly improved output and systemic pressure.


CONCLUSIONS
A percutaneously insertable catheter pump is technically feasible. Hydrodynamic efficacy allows sufficient cardiac support under simulated shock condition.
Schmitz-Rode
T
T
Clinic for Diagnostic Radiology, University of Technology Aachen, Germany. smiro@rad.rwth-aachen.de
Pfeffer
J G
JG
Graf
S
S
Buss
F
F
Brücker
C
C
Siess
T
T
Günther
R W
RW
D000818:Animals; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002302:Cardiac Output / Q000502:physiology; D004867:Equipment Design; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006461:Hemolysis / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012770:Shock, Cardiogenic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*