• Media type: E-Article
  • Title: Hydrodynamics of the new Medos aortic cannula
  • Contributor: Gerdes, Anja; Hanke, Thorsten; Sievers, Hans-H
  • Published: SAGE Publications, 2002
  • Published in: Perfusion, 17 (2002) 3, Seite 217-220
  • Language: English
  • DOI: 10.1191/0267659102pf574oa
  • ISSN: 1477-111X; 0267-6591
  • Origination:
  • Footnote:
  • Description: Background: Postoperative neurologic complications in cardiac surgery patients are considered to be associated with the design of an aortic cannula and its hydrodynamic profile. To gain knowledge about the hydrodynamics of a new cannula type, based on the integration of a helical stator in its tip, was the aim of the present study. Methods: Pressure gradients and back pressures of the new Medos aortic cannula were measured and compared with a commonly used single-stream cannula at varying flow rates in a mock circulation. Additionally, flow visualization was performed by ink injection. Results: Pressure gradients across the Medos cannula were 25.5-31.8% lower at all flow rates measured when compared to the reference cannula. Back pressures of the Medos cannula were 64.1-67.9% lower than reference back pressures. Conclusions: The Medos cannula provides improved hydrodynamic characteristics, probably reducing the risk of atherosclerotic embolism and cerebral malperfusion by avoidance of high back pressures and sandblasting effect.