Experimental and Clinical Use of an Automated Perfusion System and a Membrane Oxygenator
- Clark, Richard E. M.D.
- Ferguson, Thomas B. M.D.
- Hagen, Ronald W. M.S.E.E.
- Berger, Phillip S. M.S.E.E.
- Weldon, Clarence S. M.D.
A high-flow, low-volume perfusion device specifically designed for membrane oxygenators which obviated marginal flow capacity with gravity drainage, shunting with recirculation lines, and poor volume control between two occlusive pumps was sought. Inexpensive volume-displacement and pressure LVDT transducers and newly devised circuits have been used to control an arterial pump and a venous roller pump, respectively. The venous system is sensitive to changes of as little as 0.1 cm of negative water pressure, and automatically controls the pump to any preset venous pressure. Occlusion of the venous line causes the venous pump to stop ≤ 1 second, depending on the flow rate. The system has been tested with the Travenol 0.25 to 6.0 m2 and the GE 1 to 4 m2 membrane oxygenators. The systems have been applied to Sarns modular (high and low flow), Sarns console, and Med-Science heart-lung machines.
Eleven 24-hour partial bypass perfusions were performed on puppies weighing 1,300 to 6,400 g, with 91% (10/11) surviving. Total bypass has now been performed on 26 adult mongrel dogs (8 to 28 kg) for 1 to 4 hours and on 7 patients for 1.73, 2.65, 3.12, 3.37, 4.08, 4.48, and 4.53 hours. Hemodilution without blood prime has been used in all the clinical perfusions.
A high-flow, low-prime, twin-pump occlusive perfusion system has been developed for membrane oxygenators which gives a high degree of safety and ease of perfusion without open reservoirs, recirculation lines, and other undesirable features.