Development of a pulsatile flow-generating circulatory-assist device

Abstract

We developed a new circulation-assist device that can generate pulsatile assist flow synchronized with the patient's diastolic phase. The device is composed of a drainage tube, a centrifugal pump, an oxygenator, and a sending tube. A portable magnetic valve device composed of a pulse generator and a tamper, which produces intermittent mechanical compression, is attached to the pillow of the sending tube. Preliminary animal experiments were conducted. No changes in the animals' hemodynamics or any device problems were observed during a preliminary 48-h test run. Significant diastolic augmentation was confirmed. This new device may be useful in treating patients with severe heart failure and could be more useful than using percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) alone.

Development of a Pulsatile Flow-Generating Circulatory Assist Device (K-Beat) for Use with Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in a Pig Model Study

“…No electrolyte abnormalities were identified from blood data. In a previous study, we performed V-A ECMO for 48 h using a similar system [ 9 ]. No damage was found to the inner surface of the ECMO circuit and pillow in that previous experiment [ 9 ].…”

“…In a previous study, we performed V-A ECMO for 48 h using a similar system [ 9 ]. No damage was found to the inner surface of the ECMO circuit and pillow in that previous experiment [ 9 ]. However, further investigations are needed to clarify the safety of the K-beat pulsatile flow generator system and blood cell damage during large animal V-A ECMO.…”

“…We previously reported our development of a new circulatory flow assist device (K-beat) for cardiac management with pulsatile flow [ 9 ]. K-beat is very simple and requires no additional surgical procedure.…”

“…K-beat is composed of a V-A ECMO system with a portable magnetic valve device, which consists of a pulse generator and a tamper that produces intermittent mechanical compressions, attached to the pillow of the sending tube. The magnetic valve of the tamper is controlled by a pulse generator that synchronizes pulsatile flow with the patient’s heart rate [ 9 ]. To obtain more efficient pulsatile assist flow (diastolic augmentation), an electrocardiogram (ECG)-analyzing device detects R waves and T waves to increase the assist flow selectively in diastole by controlling (opening and closing) the magnetic valve of the tamper.…”