Jostra Rota Flow RF-30 pump system: A new centrifugal blood pump for cardiopulmonary bypass

The Rota Flow pump is a fully integrated centrifugal pump system in the Jos tra heart-lung machine HL-20 with features such as a less friction mono-piv ot bearing system, sealless pump housing, and spiral housing. To evaluate i ts biocompatibility, antithrombogenesity, and hemolysis, we used it as a ma in pump of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) cases and compared it with the BioMedicus pump. From February 1999 t o May 1999, 30 consecutive patients underwent CABG under conventional CPB. Fifteen cases were supported by the Rota Flow RF-32 (Group R), and the rema ining 15 were pumped by the BioMedicus BP-80 (Group B). In both groups, the flow rate was controlled in an equivalent value. Blood sampling was as fol lows: preoperative, 60 min after, postoperative Days (POD) 0, 1, and 2. We evaluated the plasma free hemoglobin (fHb) as the hemolysis parameter, beta -thromboglobulin (beta-TG) and platelet factor IV (PF-4) as the platelet de terioration index, C3, C4, and CH50 as complement activation, coagulation f unction, fibrinolytic factor and thrombomodulin, nitric oxide (NO), and end othelin as endothelial deterioration. This system was very easily and simpl y controlled and had excellent response. Perioperative laboratory data were not markedly changed in either group. The Rota Flow demonstrated equivalen t value of biocompatibility and hemolysis as compared with the BioMedicus B P-80, which is a standard centrifugal pump. After pumping, no thrombus form ation or pivot wear was observed inside the pump. This atraumatic, small ce ntrifugal pump is suitable not only for CPB but also for long-term circulat ory support.