Abstract
Since 1987, 13 patients with profound heart failure after cardiotomy were supported with the mechanical circulatory assist by a roller pump system using heparin-coated tube. Left heart bypass was performed in seven, right heart bypass in one, biventricular assist in two, and venoarterial bypass without oxygenation was done in three patients. The flow rate ranged from 0.8 to 3.2L/min, and duration of the mechanical support ranged from 5 hours to 21 days. In all patients, no anticoagulation was used during the first three days. There were no significant complications such as stroke, hemolysis, or sepsis. Eight were weaned from the support, and six were discharged from the hospital.
