Particles released from the Gyro C1E3 during simulated extracorporeal circulation

Evaluation of released particles from the blood pump during extracorporeal circulation is an important aspect because the particles may cause microemb olism. The Gyro C1E3 is a centrifugal blood pump that has an impeller suspe nded by double pivot bearings inside the housing; therefore, it is importan t to evaluate the released particles. The C1E3 was driven for 14 days to si mulate clinical left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and percutaneouns car diopulmonary support (PCPS). Also, a roller pump was driven for 2 days as a comparison. Released particles were weighed and examined by SEM. After 14 days of pumping, the particles from the C1E3 were 238.6 mu g in an LVAD con dition. The particles with the roller pump were 270.2 mu g after only 2 day s. Average particle sizes with the roller pump and C1E3 were 3.7 and 0.6 mu m, respectively. These results suggest that the Gyro C1E3 substantially re duces the risk of microembolism from released particles.