EFFECTS OF SELF WASHOUT STRUCTURE ON THE ANTITHROMBOGENICITY AND THE HEMOLYTIC PROPERTIES OF A CENTRIFUGAL PUMP

Antithrombogenicity in an initial type (N1) of a centrifugal pump (CP) developed in our institute is provided by the central balancing hole of an impeller. A new CP (N2) was modified to obtain better antithromb ogenicity, in which the balancing hole was widened to improve self was hout now velocity (Vsf), and an edge of the thrust bearing was rounded off to minimize flow separation. Effects of the modifications were as sessed in vitro and in vivo studies. The Vsf of the N1 and the N2 eval uated by a Doppler velocimeter were 12.8 and 22.1 cm/s. respectively. Flow around the thrust bearing, which was visualized by a light cuttin g method, confirmed less flow stagnation in the N2. The hemolytic indi ces of the N1 and the N2 were 0.023 and 0.008 mg/dl, respectively. In vivo antithrombogenicity and the hemolytic properties of the N2 and th e N1 were investigated without anticoagulation therapy in 3 goals. In each goat the N2 was driven for 1 week and exchanged for the N1, which was driven for the same period. Red thrombi at the thrust bearing wer e found in 2 N1s, and 2 small thrombi were on the impeller of another N1, whereas a thrombus of less than 1 mm(3) at the TB was noted in 1 N 2. Plasma free hemoglobin was not increased in either CP. These result s indicate that the N2 has better antithrombogenicity and hemolytic pr operties than the N1.