DYNAMICS OF A VENOUS CANNULA WITH SIDE BOLES FOR PERCUTANEOUS V-A BYPASS

DEVELOPMENT AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF FLOW

Abstract

We evaluated the flow dynamics of our newly developed venous cannula designed for percutaneous V-A bypass. The cannula is made of 18 Fr. polyester elastomer. It is O. D. 6.0mm, I. O. 5.2mm, and 50-60cm long which is long enough to reach the right atrium through a femoral vein approach. It has side holes to assure low pressure drop. In vitro tests were performed to evaluate the flow rate and pressure drop of the venous cannula as well as the flow rate of each side hole. The results indicated that: a) possibility of side holes designed by the draining distribution, b) percutaneous intubation of the cannula was smooth and assured low pressure drop, and c) draining volume from the vena cava was sufficient.