Preclinical Assessment of a Transaortic Venting Catheter for Percutaneous Cardiopulmonary Support

:  Left ventricular unloading and energy charge as effects of transaortic catheter venting (TACV) during venoarterial bypass (VAB) in normal and failing hearts has been reported previously. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of a special multipurpose catheter for TACV during percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) in a preclinical setting. Six adult pigs underwent PCPS with or without the TACV. With standard hemodynamic monitoring, LV volume and function were assessed by direct ultrasonic cardiography (UCG) in each condition. PCPS was smoothly established and the TACV catheter was safely introduced in all cases. As compared with isolated PCPS, the TACV combined with PCPS maintained significant blood flow with LV venting and systemic perfusion: the heart rate of the native heart, systemic arterial pressure, and central venous pressure were stable. Also the additional TACV led to a significant reduction of LV preload during PCPS, and the reduction was 25–30% of LVDd and 20–35% of LVAd. The results of this investigation suggest that clinical application of the TACV technique with a clinical PCPS circuit would be feasible and additional TACV might be use-ful for LV recovery during PCPS in patients with severe heart failure.