EXPERIMETNAL EVALUATION OF INTRAVENOUS AXIAL FLOW PUMP FOR RIGHT HEART ASSIST

Abstract

We have developed intravenous axial flow pump for right heart assist. In this study, experlmental evaluation of this system was performed. The pump was positioned in the right heart through a 14mm, low porosity graft anastomosed to the infrarenal inferior vena cava. The pump showed good performance in right heart assistance under induced pulmonary stenosis or induced biventricular failure. Chronic animal experiments were performed using adult goats. There was no difficulties in pump insertion. Level of plasma hemoglobin was acceptable. There was no prominent damages in heart tissues. In conclusion, this pump system is practicable for temporay right heart assist.