In vivo hemodynamic performance of the Cleveland Clinic CorAide blood pump in calves

Background. The Cleveland Clinic CorAide left ventricular assist system is based on a small implantable continuous-flow centrifugal blood pump with a completely suspended rotating assembly designed for long-term circulatory support (5 to 10 years). Methods. Between June 1999 and August 2000, the CorAide blood pump was implanted in 10 calves for 1 month and in 3 calves for 3 months. Results. The mean pump flow and arterial pressure were 6.1 ± 1.1 L/min and 97 ± 5 mm Hg, respectively. The mean plasma free-hemoglobin level after postoperative day 3 was 2.0 ± 1.8 mg/dL. Renal and hepatic function remained normal in all cases. There was no incidence of mechanical failure, hemolysis, bleeding, or systemic organ dysfunction in any of the cases. Significant findings at autopsy were limited to two cases of renal infarction, one of which was associated with an outflow graft infection. Conclusions. The CorAide blood pump is easily implanted, reliable, nonhemolytic, and nonthrombogenic, positioning it as a leading third-generation, continuous-flow left ventricular assist system with a completely suspended rotor.