Seventy-two hour gas exchange performance and hemodynamic properties of NOVALUNG®iLA as a gas exchanger for arteriovenous carbon dioxide removal

Abstract

Objective: Acute respiratory failure is complicated by acidosis and altered end-organ perfusion. NOVA-LUNG®iLA is an interventional lung assist (ILA) device for arteriovenous carbon dioxide removal (AVCO₂R). The present study was conducted to evaluate the device for short-term CO₂ removal performance and hemodynamic response.

Methods: Six adult sheep received cannulation of the jugular vein and carotid artery. The ILA-AVCO₂R circuit was placed on the sheep for 72 hours. Hemodynamics and PaCO₂ were measured; CO₂ removal was calculated while varying sweep gas flow rates (Q_g), device blood flow rates (Q_b), and PaCO₂.

Results: Hemo-dynamic variables remained normal throughout the 72 hour study. CO₂ removal increased with increases in Q_gor Q_b. Mean CO₂ removal was 119.3 ml/min for Q_b 1L/min, Q_g 5 L/min, and PaCO₂ 40 - 50 mmHg._PaCO2 was directly proportional to CO₂ clearance (R-0.72, p B/0.001).

Conclusion: NOVALUNG®iLA can provide near total CO₂ removal with Q_b 1 - 2 L/min,_Qg 5 L/min, and minimal flow resistance (3.889/0.82 mmHg/L/min). PaCO₂ correlates with CO₂ removal and is dependent on Q_b and Q_g.