The PUCA Pump: A Left Ventricular Assist Device

Abstract: Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) that are being used clinically still have specific drawbacks. Therefore, a new concept for mechanical circulatory support was developed, the pulsatile catheter (PUCA) pump. It consists of an extracorporeally placed, pneumatically driven membrane pump that is connected to a valved catheter. Ther catheter is introuced into an easily accessible artery and positioned with its distal tip in the left ventricle. Blood is aspirated from the left ventricle and ejected into the ascending aorta. Potential advantages of the catheter pump are its simple design and its fast application with minimal surgery. Preliminary in vitro tests with a first prototype showed that it is possible to create a pulsatile flow of 3 L/min and proved that further developing the PUCA pump will be worthwhile.