CIRCULATORY SUPPORT OF CARDIAC INTERVENTIONAL PROCEDURES WITH THE HEMOPUMP(TM) CARDIAC ASSIST SYSTEM

The Hemopump(TM) is a catheter-mounted mechanical circulatory assist d evice which can support the majority of the circulation and significan tly reduce left-ventricular work. It can be introduced via a periphera l artery or the ascending aorta. The following is an overview of the o peration of the Hemopump and the results of a clinical trial in which the Hemopump was used to treat cardiogenic shock. In addition, the res ults of pilot experiences using the Hemopump for circulatory support d uring aorto-coronary artery surgery and high-risk angioplasty will be discussed.