The Effect on Hemolysis of the Raceway Profile of Roller Pumps Used in Cardiopulmonary Bypass

This study aims at the influence on hemolysis of the differences between the maximum and minimum amplitudes of pressure in the outlet of three roller pump models adjusted by dynamic calibration method. Tests were performed with silicone tubes (½ × 3/16 inches) in fluid analogous to blood and fresh bovine blood from slaughterhouse. Tests with analogous solution to blood were performed varying the dynamic calibration pressure between 78 and 500 mm Hg. Tests with fresh bovine blood were performed with the three pumps simultaneously, and pressure differences and free hemoglobin in the plasma were measured during 360 minutes. Tests with both analogous solution to blood and fresh bovine blood showed differences of mean pressures of pump 2 related to pumps 1 and 3 (p < 0.01). The different models of roller pumps analyzed presented differences in pressure amplitudes (p < 0.01) and hemolysis (p < 0.01) adjusted for the same dynamic calibration pressure. Raceway profile of pump 2 resulted in smaller pressure amplitude, implying lower hemolysis rate compared with pumps 1 and 3.