Smaller Heart-Lung Machine Offers Patient Benefits

A small heart-lung machine that can be used to oxygenate and pump a patient's blood during surgeries when the heart is stopped or used as a backup circulatory-support system in beating heart surgery causes less blood damage and results in quicker recovery.

Unlike conventional heart-lung machines that require multiple pieces of hardware, the new machine comprises a small, single unit that pumps blood, oxygenates it, and removes air bubbles. A separate disposable tubing system carries blood to and from the heart. Also, traditional machines use a significant amount of fluid to prime the pump, which causes dilution of the blood and poor clotting. The new system requires little or no priming. Called Corx, the system is the product of CardioVention, Inc. (Santa Clara, CA, USA).

"This is the first technological advance in the heart-lung machine in more than 25 years,” says Delos M. Cosgrove, M.D., chairman, department of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at The Cleveland Clinic (OH, USA). "The machine is designed to cause less blood damage and less blood loss, making it a significant advance in cardiac care.” Those who have used the system say it also results in faster recovery time.




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