Abstract
To induce a pulsatile flow in a centrifugal pump, we developed a new device (Pulsatile Assist Device for Centrifugal Pump: PAD·CP) using a new concept. This device consists of a flexible polyurethane tube with an air chamber which is connected to the arterial side of the centrifugal pump circuit directly. A mock circulation system was used for evaluation of this PAD·CP. Results: 1) By increasing the driving pressure from 200 to 600mmHg in mock system, 4-48mmHg of pulse pressures was gained accompanied by a decrease in pump flow and increase left atrial pressure. The decreased pump flow and increased left atrial pressure were recovered easily by increasing the flow rate of centrifugal pump. 2) Pressures at proximal site of PAD·CP were less than 500mmHg. The PAD·CP was useful to induce a pulsatile flow in a centrifugal pump.
