CLINICAL USE OF CENTRIFUGAL PUMP: ITS APPLICATION TO POSTOPERATIVE LEFT HEART ASSIST AND PERCUTANEOUS CARDIOPULMONARY SUPPORT

Abstract

Problems of centrifugal pump were studied in 28 cases in which centrifugal pump were used as a postoperative left heart assist or percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS). One of 3 cases which required left heart assist postoperatively was weaned but could not be salvaged. Eight of 17 cases (47%) which underwent emergency PCPS were weaned and 7 of them (41%) survived. Emergency PCPS was used in 10 cases as a cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Four of them showed complete recovery of consciousness 10 minutes to 17 hours later. Duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation was 15 to 43 minutes (mean 30 minutes) in cases with complete recovery of consciousness. Elective PCPS was adopted in 8 cases during supported percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. In 6 of them, good results and symptomatic improvement were obtained. Centrifugal pump is easy for setting of the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit and can make it small-sized. Such a pressure control as a roller pump is not necessary. Centrifugal pump is very useful and safe in clinical use.