PERCUTANEOUS CARDIOPULMONARY SUPPORT (PCPS)

The cardiopulmonary support system allows to maintain the patient's ca rdiac and pulmonary functions when the patient's cardiac or pulmonary status is failing. This system consists of a centrifugal pump with its control system, membrane oxygenator, measure devices for blood flow a nd pressure and a heating system for temperature conditioning of blood . The percutaneous application is easy and fast. Rapid priming, rapid insertion and high flow rates are characteristic for this method. The material costs for cardiac support of one patient are high, the price for one patient amounts to approximately DM 3,500. For the application the presence of an operating cardiologist, an anesthetist and a perfu sionist is necessary.