A novel cardioport for beating-heart, image-guided intracardiac surgery

• Main Authors: Vasilyev, Nikolay V. (Author), Kawata, Mitsuhiro (Author), DiBiasio, Christopher M. (Contributor), Durand, Keith V. (Contributor), Hopkins, Jonathan (Contributor), Traina, Zachary J. (Contributor), Slocum, Alexander H. (Contributor), del Nido, Pedro J. (Author)
• Other Authors: Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering (Contributor)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier, 2015-10-21T16:21:09Z.
• Subjects: Article
• Online Access: Get fulltext

 Objective Intracardiac beating-heart procedures require the introduction and exchange of complex instruments and devices. To prevent potential complications such as air embolism and bleeding, a universal cardioport was designed and tested. Methods The design consists of a port body and a series of interchangeable sleeves. The port uses a fluid purging system to remove air from the instrument before insertion into the heart, and a valve system minimizes blood loss during instrument changes. Results The cardioport was tested ex vivo and in vivo in pigs (n = 5). Beating-heart procedures, such as septal defect closure and mitral valve repair, were modeled. Ex vivo trials (n = 150) were performed, and no air emboli were introduced using the port. In comparison, air emboli were detected in 40% to 85% of the cases without the use of the port-based purging system. Port operation revealed excellent ergonomics and minimal blood loss. Conclusions A novel cardioport system designed to prevent air entry and blood loss from transcardiac instrument introduction was shown to be an enabling platform for intracardiac beating-heart surgery. The port system improves safety and facilitates further development of complex instruments and devices for transcardiac beating-heart surgery.