Logo image
Dual-pump support in the inferior and superior vena cavae of a patient-specific fontan physiology
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Dual-pump support in the inferior and superior vena cavae of a patient-specific fontan physiology

Amy L Throckmorton, Sergio Lopez-Isaza and William Moskowitz
Artificial organs, v 37(6), pp 513-522
Jun 2013
PMID: 23692310

Abstract

Models, Cardiovascular Venae Cavae - surgery Humans Assisted Circulation Venae Cavae - physiology Hemodynamics - physiology Fontan Procedure - methods Heart-Assist Devices Fontan Procedure - instrumentation Models, Anatomic
The implementation of simultaneous mechanical cavopulmonary assistance having blood pumps located in both of the vena cavae is investigated as an approach to treating patients with an ailing Fontan physiology. Identical intravascular blood pumps are employed to model the hemodynamic support of a patient-specific Fontan. Pressure flow characteristics, energy gain calculations, and blood damage analyses are assessed for each model. The performance of the dual-support scenario is compared to conditions of mechanical support in the inferior vena cava only and to a nonsupported cavopulmonary circuit. The blood pump in the superior vena cava generates pressures ranging from 1 to 22 mm Hg for flow rates of 1-4 L/min at operating speeds of 1250-2500 rpm. The blood pump in the inferior vena cava produces pressures at levels approximately 20% lower. The blood pumps positively augment the hydraulic energy in the total cavopulmonary connection circuit as a function of flow rate and rotational speed. Scalar stress levels and fluid residence times are at acceptable levels. Damage indices for the dual-support case, however, are elevated slightly above 3.5%. These results suggest that concurrent, mechanical assistance of the inferior vena cava and superior vena cava in Fontan patients has the potential to be beneficial, but additional studies are needed to further explore this approach.

Metrics

17 Record Views
18 citations in Scopus

Details

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

InCites Highlights

Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:

Web of Science research areas
Engineering, Biomedical
Transplantation
Logo image