Comparative analysis of novel esophageal pressure monitoring catheters versus commercially available alternatives in a biomechanical model of the thoracic cavity.

Transpulmonary pressure can be estimated using esophageal balloon (EB) catheters, which come in a variety of manufacturing configurations. We assessed the performance of novel polyurethane EB designs, Aspisafe NG and NG+, against existing alternatives. We created a biomechanical model of the chest cavity using a plastic chamber and an ex-vivo porcine esophagus.

A comprehensive evaluation of hemodynamic energy production and circuit loss using four different ECMO arterial cannulae.

Objective: Pulsatile-flow veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) has shown encouraging results for microcirculation resuscitation and left ventricle unloading in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. We aimed to comprehensively assess different V-A ECMO parameters and their contribution to hemodynamic energy production and transfer through the device circuit.

Methods: We used the i-cor® ECMO circuit, which composed of Deltastream DP3 diagonal pump and i-cor® console (Xenios AG), the Hilite 7000 membrane oxygenator (Xenios AG), venous and arterial tubing and a 1 L soft venous pseudo-patient reservoir.

Ventricular Flow Dynamics With an Intra-Ventricular Balloon Pump: An In Vitro Analysis.

Due to the high treatment costs associated with durable ventricular assist devices, an intra-ventricular balloon pump (IVBP) was developed to provide low-cost, short-term support for patients suffering from severe heart failure. It is imperative that intraventricular flow dynamics are evaluated with an IVBP to ensure stagnation points, and potential regions for thrombus formation, are avoided. This study used particle image velocimetry to evaluate flow patterns within the left ventricle of a simulated severe heart failure patient with IVBP support to assess left ventricle pulsatility as an indicator of the likelihood of flow stasis.

Diamond-like carbon films prepared by a low temperature periodic process for application in ventricular assist devices.

Due to the poor tribological properties of titanium (Ti) and its alloy Ti6Al4V (commonly used for ventricular assist devices manufacturing), diamond-like carbon (DLC) films with excellent anti-wear properties are pursued to improve the wear resistance of Ti and its alloys. Considering the effect of temperature on magnets inside pump impellers and workpiece deformation, DLC films are preferred to be prepared under low temperature. In this study, DLC films were prepared on Ti6Al4V alloys by periodic and continuous processes, and the corresponding maximum deposition temperature was 85 and 154°C, respectively.