Hemodynamic evaluation of a new pulsatile blood pump during low flow cardiopulmonary bypass support

Background The VentriFlo(R) True Pulse Pump (VentriFlo, Inc, Pelham, NH, USA) is a new pulsatile blood pump intended for use during short-term circulatory support. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the VentriFlo and compare it to a conventional centrifugal pump (ROTAFLOW, Getinge, Gothenberg, Sweden) in acute pig experiments. Methods Pigs (40-45 kg) were supported by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with the VentriFlo (n = 9) or ROTAFLOW (n = 5) for 6 h. Both VentriFlo and ROTAFLOW circuits utilized standard CPB components. We evaluated hemodynamics, blood chemistry, gas analysis, plasma hemoglobin, and microcirculation at the groin skin with computer-assisted video microscopy (Optilia, Sollentuna, Sweden). Results Pigs were successfully supported by CPB for 6 h without any pump-related complications in either group. The VentriFlo delivered an average stroke volume of 29.2 +/- 4.8 ml. VentriFlo delivered significantly higher pulse pressure (29.1 +/- 7.2 mm Hg vs. 4.4 +/- 7.0 mm Hg, p < 0.01) as measured in the carotid artery, with mean aortic pressure and pump flow comparable with those in ROTAFLOW. In blood gas analysis, arterial pH was significantly lower after five hours support in the VentriFlo group (7.30 +/- 0.07 vs. 7.43 +/- 0.03, p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in plasma hemoglobin level in both groups after six hours of CPB support. In microcirculatory assessment, VentriFlo tended to keep normal capillary flow, but it was not statistically significant. Conclusions VentriFlo-supported pigs showed comparable hemodynamic parameters with significantly higher pulse pressure compared to ROTAFLOW without hemolysis.