Original Article

Left Ventricular Assist with the New Bio-Pump 80

Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA

^* Direct communications to: C. Martin Dixon, Cardiopulmonary Pefusion Resources, Ltd,, 650 North Twelfth Street, Lemoyne, PA 17043

Abstract

Six male mongrel dogs were studied on left ventricular bypass (left atrium to femoral artery) for twenty-four hours without anti-coagulation. The circuit consisted of standard perfusion cannulae, polyvinylchloride tubing, polycarbonate connectors, and the new Bio-Pump 80. Bypass flows averaged 2.2 1/m. Hematologic and biochemical parameters were measured according to protocol.

The coagulation profile during the 24 hours remained normal. The prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and fibrinogen values were not statistically different from preoperative control values. Fibrin split products were consistently negative and hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets were stable over the 24 hour period. Serum hemoglobin levels were negligible over the course of the experiment. The biochemical results also remained at normal levels, with the exception of creatinine, which was significantly lower.

All dogs were electively sacrificed at the end of the 24 hour assist period. Autopsy revealed minor renal infarcts in two animals; all other organs were found to be grossly intact. There were no technical problems with the Bio-Pump 80. Thrombi were seen at approximately twenty per cent of the connector/tubing junctions. Four of the Bio-Pumps had no thrombus accumulation in any part of the pump, while two pumps had small amounts of thrombus present around the center shaft.