An experimental study of extracorporeal circulation by the centrifugal pump (Bio-pump) was undertaken both with nonpulsatile flow and with pulsatile flow. The following results were obtained. 1) Adequate perfusion was maintained during the two hours period of extracorporeal circulation both with nonpulsatile flow and with pulsatile flow. 2) With the self-contained pulsatile mode of Bio-pump, we could get pulse pressure of 30-50mmHg by very easy and simple method. 3) Hemolysis and platelet destruction were not increased with pulsatile flow. 4) Though, the wave form of arterial pressure was rather non-physiological “sine wave” and pulse rate was limited, we could get enough pulse pressure very easily and simply with the self-contained pulsatile mode of Bio-pump.
The extracorporeal circulation using the Bio-pump (centrifugal pump) was reported in nine patients undergoing open heart surgery. These conclusion were obtained. 1) The Bio-pump with hollowfiber oxygenator was used easy and safe without any complication during extracorporeal circulation. 2) The Bio-pump could provide constant flow perfusion by autoflow mode and closed circuit perfusion by clamp of the coronary reservoir circuit. 3) The changes of coenzymes and lactic acid metabolism in Bio-pump were comparable to those of the rollar pump.