Comparison of pressure-volume-flow relationships in centrifugal and roller pump extracorporeal membrane oxygenation systems for neonates

Theoretical advantages and risks exist for the use of both the centrifugal and roller pump systems in neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The authors studied the pressure-volume-flow relationships in clinically configured ECMO systems using these two pumps and a simulated patient to characterize differences in the circuit mechanics of the two systems, and thereby improve the design of subsequent clinical comparative trials of the pumps themselves. The relationship between flow and pressure generated across the pump was identical for the two systems. Within the range of clinically used flows, there was a direct relationship between pump revolution and pressure generated for the centrifugal pump. Flow was limited in both systems by restrictions on negative pressure generating capacity. In the roller pump circuit, the venous reservoir (bladder box) assembly interrupted flow when negative pressure exceeded -20 mmHg; in the centrifugal pump system, forward flow stopped when negative pressure exceeded -100 mmHg. Volume had no detectable effect on the patient-pump inlet pressure gradient until critically low volumes were reached. At that point, removal of a few milliliters of volume led to large increases in the pressure gradient. The authors conclude that differences in pressure-volume-flow relationships between roller and centrifugal pump ECMO systems are due to the presence of the bladder box in the roller pump circuit. The advantages and disadvantages of the greater negative pressure in the centrifugal pump system require further study.