In vitro hydrodynamics of the Embol-X cannula

BACKGROUND: Prevention of intraoperative plaque dislodgement in patients with atherosclerotic ascending aorta by development of innovative aortic cannula designs gains growing interest in cardiac surgery. To increase knowledge about the hydrodynamics of the innovative Embol-X 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-X 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 Argyle and the RMI cannulae were 48% and 62% and back pressures 25% and 47% lower than the corresponding values across the Embol-X cannula. CONCLUSIONS: The novel concept of integrating a filter device may provide clinical advantages concerning neurologic outcome. Further in vivo studies seem to be desirable to obtain more information concerning the clinical effects of the Embol-X cannula hydrodynamics.