Hemopump treatment in patients with postcardiotomy heart failure.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

This study examined the use of the Hemopump to treat low cardiac output syndrome after cardiopulmonary bypass.

METHODS:

We used the Hemopump temporary cardiac assist system in 29 patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction after open heart operations from September 1991 to November 1994.

RESULTS:

Five patients were excluded from the study due to initial patient/device-related problems. Ten patients died in the operating room or early during the stay in the intensive care unit due to progressive biventricular failure. Fourteen patients (58.3%) were weaned from the device, and all of them were later discharged. In a subgroup of patients (54%) in whom we had a more aggressive approach for early insertion of the pump, the survival rate was 85%. Preoperative Higging risk score was significantly related to survival.

CONCLUSIONS:

The Hemopump can effectively unload a failing left ventricle with preservation of multiorgan perfusion. A minor decrease in kidney function was observed in most patients, but none of the surviving patients needed hemodialysis. One patient required a short period of peritoneal dialysis to get rid of fluid overload. Hemolysis or platelet dysfunction was not a clinical problem.

• Authors: U Lönn, B Peterzén, H Granfeldt, A Babic, H Casimir-Ahn
• Journal: The Annals of thoracic surgery (Ann Thorac Surg) Vol. 60 Issue 4 Pg. 1067-71 (Oct 1995) ISSN: 0003-4975 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 7574950 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Aged
• Cardiac Output, Low (surgery)
• Cardiopulmonary Bypass
• Female
• Heart-Assist Devices
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Postoperative Complications (therapy)
• Ventricular Dysfunction, Left (surgery)