Hemodynamic effect of a low-resistance artificial lung in series with the native lungs of sheep

Background. An artificial lung with 1 to 6 month work life could act as a b ridge to transplantation. A pumpless artificial lung has been developed. Methods. The artificial lung was placed in series with the native lungs of adult sheep. Hemodynamics were observed, as the right ventricle generated n ow through the device. Through a left thoracotomy, two 20-mm grafts were an astomosed in an end-to-side fashion to the pulmonary artery. The grafts wer e externalized, and directed now through the chest wall, to the extracorpor eal lung. The animals were recovered, weaned from the ventilator, and when standing, now was diverted through the device. Results. Five of 7 animals survived 24 hours with 75% to 100% of the cardia c output diverted through the device. All animals were active, with interes t in food and water, and able to stand. Conclusions. The right ventricle perfused the artificial lung with 75% to 1 00% of the cardiac output for 24 hours. This device demonstrates the feasib ility of a pumpless pulmonary assist device relying on the right ventricle for perfusion. (C) 2000 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.