Centrifugal Pump Generates Superior Hemodynamic Performance Compared to a new Diagonal Blood Pump in Neonatal and Pediatric ECMO Circuits

Abstract

Purpose

With newer generation diagonal and centrifugal blood pumps gaining popularity, the objective of this study was to compare the DP3-i-cor diagonal and RotaFlow centrifugal pumps in terms of hemodynamic performance using simulated neonatal and pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits.

Description

The DP3-i-cor diagonal pump is a part of the newly FDA-approved NovaLung system. The experimental circuit consisted of either the DP3-i-cor diagonal or RotaFlow centrifugal pump, a polymethylpentene membrane oxygenator, neonatal and pediatric arterial/venous cannulae, and 1/4-inch ID tubing. Three circuits were tested using combinations of either the DP3-i-cor or RotaFlow pump and varying arterial/venous cannulae sizes. Real-time pressure and flow data were collected.

Evaluation

The new DP3-i-cor diagonal pump exhibited lower flow rate and pressure head when compared to the RotaFlow centrifugal pump at similar rotational speeds and identical experimental conditions. Large-caliber arterial cannulae expectedly generated higher flow rates and pressures.

Conclusions

The RotaFlow centrifugal pump demonstrated superior hemodynamic performance when compared to the DP3-i-cor diagonal pump in simulated neonatal and pediatric ECMO circuits. Translational research of all ECMO components is crucial.