In vitro hydrodynamics of the Embol-X cannula

ment in patients with atherosclerotic ascending aorta by development of innovative aortic cannula designs gains growing interest in cardiac surgery. To increase knowl-edge about the hydrodynamics of the innovative Embol-X2 cannula, which includes an intra-aortic filter device targeting at atheromatous emboli capture, was the aim of the present study. Methods: Pressure gradients and back pressures of the Embol-X2 cannula were measured at varying flow rates in a mock circulation and compared with two commonly used single-stream cannulae. Results: At a flow rate of 5.5 l/min, pressure gradients across the Argyle2 and the RMI cannulae were 48 % and 62 % and back pressures 25 % and 47 % lower than the correspond-ing values across the Embol-X2 cannula. Conclusions: The novel concept of integrating a filter device may provide clinical advantages concerning neurologic outcome. Fur-ther in vivo studies seem to be desirable to obtain more information concerning the clinical effects of the Embol-X2 cannula hydrodynamics. Perfusion (2002) 17, 153 –156