The enabler cannula pump: a novel circulatory support system

Background. The enabler circulatory support system is a catheter pump which expels blood from the left or right ventricular cavity and provides pulsat ile flow in the ascending aorta or pulmonary artery If is driven by a bedsi de installed pulsatile driving console. The device can easily be implanted by a minimal invasive approach, similar to the Hemopump. Purpose. To demonstrate the hemodynamic performance of this new intracardia c support system. Methods. In a series of 9 sheep, hemodynamic evolutions were recorded in va rious conditions of myocardial contractility (the non-failing, the moderate ly failing and the severely failing heart). Heart failure was induced by in jection of microspheres in the coronary arteries Results. introduction of t he cannula through the aortic valve was feasible in all cases. Pump flow by the enabler was gradually increased to a maximum of 3.5 L/min. Diastolic ( and mean) aortic blood pressure is significantly increased in the non-faili ng and moderately failing condition (counterpulsation mode), in heart failu re, cardiac output is significantly increased by the pump (p<0.0001). A dro p in left atrial pressure (indicating unloading) is achieved in all conditi ons but reaches significant levels only during heart failure (p=0.0068). Conclusions. This new circulatory support system contributes to stabilizati on of the circulation in the presence of cardiac unloading. In heart failur e it actually supports the circulation by increasing cardiac output and per fusion pressure.