HEMOPERFUSION DURING CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY - 1ST EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE WITH A NEW HEMOPERFUSION PUMP

Hemolysis tests with fresh human blood were performed in vitro with a new 5 ml, piston-type hemoperfusion pump, designed to prevent myocardi al ischemia during coronary angioplasty. Despite driving pressures gre ater than 3 atmospheres, shear stress greater than 200 Pa, turbulent p ump flow, and the presence of occlusive valves, hemolysis proved to be minimal. This effect is explained by the short amount of time that bl ood is subjected to mechanical forces that cause hemolysis in the syst em and by the small volumes of blood involved. During clinical applica tion of the system, angina pectoris, electrocardiographic changes, and systemic blood pressure were used as parameters for myocardial ischem ia. There was an effective reduction of ischemia during prolonged (10 min) balloon inflation, demonstrated by the absence of angina, minimal electrocardiographic changes, and normal blood pressure. In addition, the system proved to be safe and effective during high-risk angioplas ty.