Session S41.2

First Experience with the New Portable Cardiopulmonary Bypass System: LIFEBRIDGE B2T with Percutaneous Femoral Cannulation

M Krane*, D Mazzitelli, T Ried, B Voss,
CC Badiu, R Lange, R Bauernschmitt

German Heart Center Munich
Munich, Germany

The LIFEBRIDGE B2T is a new portable cardiopulmonary bypass system consisting of a disposable patient unit with a cardiopulmonary bypass circuit, a control unit and a base unit with user interface. Priming of the LIFEBRIDGE B2T is a semi-automatic process which could be finished after 5 to 10 min. A 7 step automated air elimination program prevents air embolisation. The portable system weighs 20kg and is easy to use also for non-perfusionists.
We use the LIFEBRIDGE B2T for circulatory support in coronary artery bypass surgery on beating heart surgery for complete revascularisation. The LIFEBRIDGE B2T was connected via percutaneous cannulation of the femoral artery and the femoral vein. For venous blood drainage a 24 french cannula (Edwards Lifesciences) and for arterial cannulation an 18 french cannula (Edwards Lifesciences) was used.
Semi-automatic priming and automated air elimination were performed without any technical problems. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was 135 min. The calculated target blood flow for the patient was 5.1 L/min. During circulatory support the system delivered a mean arterial blood flow of 4.4 ± 0.42 L/min (range: 3.5 - 5.1 L/min). Mean negative pressure at the venous drainage was 84.4 ± 30.4 mmHg (range: 45 and 126 mmHg). Mean arterial pressure during circulatory support was 68 ± 6 mmHg (range: 50 – 74 mmHg).
The LIFEBRIDGE B2T is a new portable, safe and easy to use circulatory support system also for non-perfusionists. Connected via percutaneous femoral cannulation, the system provides adequate arterial blood flow and an acceptable negative pressure at the venous cannula.

(Abstract Control Number: 232)