Original Article

Poster Presentation: In Vitro Comparison Tests of Five LV Vent Valves

American Omni Medical, Inc., Costa Mesa, CA

^* Address correspondence to: George Siposs, American Omni Medical, Inc., 2930 G Grace Lane, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Abstract

Many surgical teams employ a sump pump to vent the left ventricle (LV). The problems associated with this technique are related to safety and convenience. If the flow is accidentally reversed in the LV vent line, air embolism accidents and subsequent litigation may be the result. If the cannula is occluded it is inconvenient to juggle pump speed to prevent the line from collapsing while maintaining gentle but adequate suction. We have in-vitro tested five commercially available L.V. Vent Valves (RLV-2100“B”, LV-100, H-130, GLV and VRV-200“B”), which were designed to regulate suction in the LV vent line, prevent the flow of air towards the heart, and vent downstream pressure to the atmosphere. The valves were tested for suction at various flow rates and pressure heads. The results of pressure and suction tests (during flow and occluded line conditions) are tabulated. We found that the RLV-2100“B” offers the best combination of suction control and pressure relief.