Experimental Extracorporeal Circulation System: A Pilot Study in Rats.

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal circulation (ECC) has become an important component in cardiac surgery, for cardiopulmonary support, and as a bridge to transplantation. Optimization of systems, components, and management requires further refinements using relevant ECC models.

METHODS

A miniature silicone membrane oxygenator with a surface area of 134 cm2 and a pump-head tube with internal dimension, ID 2.0 mm, was connected to the rat with a double-lumen tube, where the inner silicone tube (ID 1.0 mm) was irrigated with temperature-controlled water, serving as a heat-exchanger.

RESULTS

The ECC system had a priming volume less than 1.5 mL yet developed a pulsatile flow up to 11.6 mL/min, or 40 mL/min/kg, for a 290-g animal. The system kept sufficient gas exchange, sustained stable hemodynamics in heart failure, and induced hyperthermia (40°C) and hypothermia (20°C) successfully with long-term survival.

CONCLUSION

A silicone-based closed ECC system for rodents was developed as an experimental platform to address controversies, optimize management, and test the feasibility of new systems, components, or concepts in ECC.