Generation of Pulsatile Flow using Clinical Continuous Flow Pumps

Background With the increasing use of mechanical circulatory support for long-term augmentation of cardiopulmonary function, the need for safer devices is apparent. Pump thrombosis and failure, inadequate ventricular unloading, progressive right-sided dysfunction, and end-organ hypoperfusion are seen with long-term mechanical circulatory support devices. Generation of pulsatile flow has been proposed to mitigate some of these risks by providing physiologic flow and pressure profiles to the vascular system and end-organs. Modification of continuous flow devices to provide pulsatility may prove a cheap and effective way to achieve physiologic flow; however, effective use of such a technique has yet to be demonstrated. This work aims to describe these efforts, as well as mechanical arguments regarding the challenges to be overcome in achieving this goal.Methods Prior literature and textbooks were used to develop the theoretical basis for the paper.Results Attempts at generating pulsatile flow with continuous flow devices have been marred by difficulty in mitigating viscous effects on oscillating mechanical systems. Currently available devices and research setups have been unable to generate truly physiologic pulsatile flow systems. New devices are needed that utilize various forms of positive displacement in order to generate true pulsatile flow that mimic native waveforms generated by the heart.Conclusions The mechanical challenges in generating pulsatile flow with continuous flow devices have precluded their widespread adoption in clinical practice. New pulsatile pumps are needed to achieve adequate physiologic pulsatility with improved side-effect profile.