Seventy-two hour gas exchange performance and hemodynamic properties of NOVALUNG®iLA as a gas exchanger for arteriovenous carbon dioxide removal

Abstract

Objective: Acute respiratory failure is complicated by acidosis and altered end-organ perfusion. NOVA-LUNG®iLA is an interventional lung assist (ILA) device for arteriovenous carbon dioxide removal (AVCO2R). The present study was conducted to evaluate the device for short-term CO2 removal performance and hemodynamic response. Methods: Six adult sheep received cannulation of the jugular vein and carotid artery. The ILA-AVCO2R circuit was placed on the sheep for 72 hours. Hemodynamics and PaCO2 were measured; CO2 removal was calculated while varying sweep gas flow rates (Qg), device blood flow rates (Qb), and PaCO2. Results: Hemo-dynamic variables remained normal throughout the 72 hour study. CO2 removal increased with increases in Qgor Qb. Mean CO2 removal was 119.3 ml/min for Qb 1L/min, Qg 5 L/min, and PaCO2 40 - 50 mmHg.PaCO2 was directly proportional to CO2 clearance (R-0.72, p B/0.001). Conclusion: NOVALUNG®iLA can provide near total CO2 removal with Qb 1 - 2 L/min,Qg 5 L/min, and minimal flow resistance (3.889/0.82 mmHg/L/min). PaCO2 correlates with CO2 removal and is dependent on Qb and Qg.