Abstract
Twenty-eight patients (pts) who received ventricular or cardiopulmonary support or ECMO using centrifugal pump were analyzed. Among the 28 pts, 16 pts received left and/or right heart bypass (LHB-RHB), another 9 pts received cardiopulmonary support (CPS) and the remaining 3 pts, ECMO. Out of 16 LHB-RHB pts, twelve (75%) could be weaned from bypass and 6 (38%) discharged, while, in 9 CPS pts, two (22%) could be weaned and 2 (22%) discharged. The incidence of the pts that could be weaned from circulatory support was significantly lower in CPS than LHB-RHB. In 3 ECMO pts, two (66%) could be weaned and 2 (66%) discharged. Concerning the pump-related complications, three LHB-RHB pts had cerebral infarction and one ECMO pt had a crack in the centrifugal pump. Although the centrifugal pump has some limitations in durability and antithrombogenesity, it seems useful for temporary circulatory support.
