The prevention of trapped air within ventricular assist devices during connection to the circulation

Abstract

One of the major concerns when implanting a ventricular assist device (VAD) is the total exclusion of air which is potentially dangerous to the patient. We found in our early experience with VADs that the complete removal of air during connection proved difficult. We have developed a simple and effective method of priming the VADs and removing air. The method relies upon the relative solubilities in blood of C02 and air.