Development of a Double-Lumen Cannula for a Percutaneous RVAD

The objectives were to design/fabricate a double-lumen cannula (DLC) for a percutaneous right ventricular assist device (pRVAD) and to test the feasibility/performance of this pRVAD system. A 27 Fr DLC prototype was made and tested in six adult sheep. The pRVAD DLC was inserted into the right jugular vein; advanced through the superior vena cava, the right atrium (RA), the right ventricle (RV); ending in the pulmonary artery (PA). A CentriMag pump and optional gas exchanger were connected to the DLC. Blood was withdrawn from RA, pumped through gas exchanger, and perfused PA. Maximal pumping flow was maintained for 2 hours. The pRVAD DLC was successfully deployed in all six sheep. In first three sheep, maximal average pumping flow was less than 3 L/min because the DLC was advanced too far with drainage opening against RA side wall. In last three sheep with well-positioned DLC, average maximal flow was more than 3.5 L/min. The gas exchanger provided up to 230 ml/min CO₂ removal and 174 ml/min O₂ transfer. Our DLC-based pRVAD system is feasible for percutaneous right heart and respiratory assistance through a single cannulation. The pRVAD DLC can be easily placed prophylactically during left ventricular assist device implantation and removed as needed without additional open chest procedures.