EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF VENTRI CULAR ASSIST DEVICE INCORPORATED WITH A MEMBRANE OXYGENATOR

Abstract

We designed a new device that incorporated a VAD out let with a membrane oxygena-tor, and examined the result. In the mock circulstion study, a sufficient inlet flow from the membrane oxygenator for oxygenation and removal of carbon carbon carbon dioxide was obtained Sufficient flow and pressure to maintain systemic circulation were also obtained. In the hypoventilation and heart failure models' study, with this device, hemodynamics were improved and recovered from heart failure. This device was also able to maintain systemic circulation. And the deta of blood gas analysis was also improved. In the subacute study, during 76 hours with this device, there were no hemolysis, thrombosis. These results suggest that this new assisted-circulation system is possibly a superior circulation assist method which has circulatory assist effects and respiratory assistanec capabilities. Moreover, we suspect that these findings can be put to use for PCPS and in clinical cases that include heart failure associated with respiratory failure.