Abstract
The PUCA (pulsatile catheter) pump is a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) capable of unloading the left ventricle (LV) and improving coronary flow by providing a counterpulsation effect. If consists of an extracorporeal located membrane pump, coupled to a transarterial catheter that enters the body via a superficial artery and ends in the LV. Blood is aspirated from the LV and pumped in the ascending aorta through the same catheter guided by a valve system. Timing and frequency of the PUCA pump influence its efficacy. To study the influence of several pump parameters a numerical model of the device and the circulatory system has been developed. Results of animal experiments were used to validate the model.
Optimization studies resulted in a pump configuration with a stroke volume of 50 cc and pump:heart frequency mode of 1:2 that starts ejection at the beginning of diastole.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 765-773 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | International journal of artificial organs |
| Volume | 23 |
| Issue number | 11 |
| Publication status | Published - Nov-2000 |
Keywords
- numerical model
- cardiovascular system
- LVAD
- left ventricle
- mechanical circulatory support system
- CATHETER PUMP
- PUCA-PUMP