title: PulseCath iVAC 3LTM hemodynamic performance for simple assisted flow.
abstract: The PulseCath iVAC 3L™ left ventricular assist device is an option to treat transitory left heart failure or dysfunction post-cardiac surgery. Assisted blood flow should reach up to 3 l/min. In the present in vitro model exact pump flow, depending on various frequencies and afterload was examined. Optimal flow was achieved with inflation/deflation frequencies of about 70-80/min. The maximal flow rate was achieved at about 2.5 l/min with a minimal afterload of 22 mmHg. Handling of the device was easy due to the connection to a standard intra-aortic balloon pump console. With increasing afterload (up to a simulated mean systemic pressure of 66 mmHg) flow rate and cardiac support are in some extent limited.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital CHUV, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland. lars.niclauss@chuv.ch
authors.forename: Lars
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Niclauss
authors.forename: Ludwig Karlvon
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Segesser
mesh_terms: D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D001794:Blood Pressure; D057785:Catheters; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D018056:Hemorheology; D007423:Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011673:Pulsatile Flow