Abstract

Clinical use of ventricular bypass (VB) with a centrifugal pump (Bio-pump) in 5 patients for CPB weaning and in 1 patients for cardiogenic shock after CPB was reported. Biventri cul ar bypass was underwent in 2 patients, and others were the left VB. Two patients were weaned from VB. Bypass flow of 2.9 to 3.4L/min was obtained with a 32F right angle withdrawal cannula (Polystan) in the left atrium. Left VB could not be maintained in 2 patients with RV infarction and perioperative broad biventricular infarction, in such cases biventricular bypass should be indicated. Lactate and lactate extraction ratio were usefull to assess optimal perfusion and time for weaning in addition to cardiac performance. Thrombi developed in the pump head in two cases, were perfused without heparinaization.