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The primary design features of the system include:
Fully magnetically levitated impeller
No bearings, shafts, valves, or seals within pump
Low priming volume (31 cc) designed to reduce hemodilution
Disposable (polycarbonate) pump with standard 3/8” connectors
Reusable motor, console, non-invasive flow probe and accessories
Configurable as an LVAD, RVAD, or BiVAD
The CentriMag pump is a continuous flow, fully magnetically levitated centrifugal pump. When the pump is inserted into the motor
and activated, the internal impeller is electromagnetically levitated and centered. Large gaps between the impeller and pump housing
are designed to minimize potential shear forces on blood cells, allowing a high blood flow rate with minimal hemolysis and thrombosis.
Full MagLev
TM
technology suspends and rotates the impeller without a physical bearing.
The pump contains an inflow port on the top and an outflow port on the side that are at right angles to one another, as well as a
magnetically levitated impeller. When the impeller is rotated, a pressure gradient develops between the center and outside edge of the
pump, causing blood to flow from the inflow to the outflow port of the pump. The rotation of the impeller, as well as the resulting
blood flow, is not sensitive to the pump height or position. The amount of flow through the pump depends on the set speed of the
impeller, and the difference between the inlet and outlet pressures. Factors affecting the flow include the following:
Pump speed
Preload pressure
Afterload pressure
Inflow cannula size, resistance and position
Outflow cannula size, resistance and position
Tubing length
Figure 2. CentriMag pump
1. Inflow port
2. Impeller
3. Outflow port
Flow is generated by the rotation of the pump impeller. The blood flow is measured by a clamp-on, non-invasive flow probe and
displayed on the console screen and optional monitor.
The speed of the pump must be set high enough to overcome native cardiac pressure in order to prevent retrograde flow. Increasing the
RPM will increase the flow of blood through the pump.
CAUTION: If an increase in set speed does not cause an increase in flow, lower the set speed and assess the position of the
cannula and the patient's hemodynamic condition.
During patient support, the console is used to control pump speed, the resultant blood flow, and to monitor the safe operation of the
system. A cable connects the console to the motor, allowing flexibility in the pump motor and pump positioning. When needed, a battery
in the console will power the system for two hours. An additional console and motor should be available at all times for emergency backup.
For system specifications, refer to the CentriMag Circulatory Support System Operation Manual.
Clinical Use of the CentriMag Circulatory Support System
General Principles
The CentriMag system provides circulatory assistance for patients in acute hemodynamic compromise, a population whose treatments
options are limited.
WARNING: Read this entire manual before you use the CentriMag System. As with all prescription medical devices, clinical
procedures should be conducted under the direction of the prescribing physician. The physician must be trained on the use of the
System before using it. The professional staff at Abbott Medical regularly provide laboratory training and on-site, in-service
programs. For information, please contact your local Abbott Medical Clinical Field representative.
Temporary circulatory support with the system can restore hemodynamic stability, reduce the risk of further end-organ damage, and
provide conditions under which organ function can recover. By stabilizing the hemodynamics and optimizing the patient’s condition, the
patient's end-organ function can be assessed to determine the clinical course for the patient. In many cases, myocardial and end-organ
recovery will be sufficient to allow weaning the patient from CentriMag system support. Some patients may need long-term support with
an implantable LVAD or a heart transplant.