In vitro thrombogenicity evaluation of rotary blood pumps by thromboelastometry

Mario Klein, Jana Christine Tack, Ilona Mager, Judith Maas, Thomas Schmitz-Rode, Jutta Arens, Ulrich Steinseifer, Johanna Charlotte Clauser*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

In vitro thrombogenicity tests for rotary blood pumps (RBPs) could benefit from assessing coagulation kinematics, as RBP design improves. In this feasibility study, we investigated if the method of thromboelastometry (TEM) is able to assess coagulation kinematics under the in vitro conditions of RBP tests. We conducted in vitro thrombogenicity tests (n=4) by placing Deltastream® DP3 pumps into test loops that were filled with 150 mL of slightly anti-coagulated porcine blood, adjusted to an activated clotting time (ACT) well below clinically recommended levels. Blood samples were taken at certain time points during the experiment until a continuous decrease in pump flow indicated major thrombus formation. Blood samples were analyzed for ACT, platelet count (PLT), and several TEM parameters. While visible thrombus formation was observed in three pumps, ACT indicated an ongoing activation of coagulation, PLT might have indicated platelet consumption. Unexpectedly, most TEM results gave no clear indications. Nonetheless, TEM clotting time obtained by non-anticoagulated and chemically non-activated whole blood (HEPNATEM-CT) appeared to be more sensitive for the activation of coagulation in vitro than ACT, which might be of interest for future pump tests. However, more research regarding standardization of thrombogenicity pump tests is urgently required.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)471-480
Number of pages10
JournalBiomedizinische Technik
Volume67
Issue number6
Early online date31 Aug 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Nov 2022

Keywords

  • centrifugal blood pumps
  • clot formation
  • hemocompatibility
  • mechanical circulatory support
  • mock loop
  • NLA

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