RESUMEN

We have developed an autoflow control system for the Terumo Capiox centrifugal pump, the SP-101. First, we made an external control system regulated by a personal computer through a serial communications line. Although an in vivo experiment using a goat showed excellent performance in regulating the flow, a communication error that caused an abrupt and instantaneous flow fluctuation was noted occasionally. Therefore, we incorporated a check-sum function to solve this problem. After this improvement, 5 patients safely underwent cardiopulmonary bypass using a pump having this autoflow control. As the next step for more practical usage, we developed a built-in autoflow control system in which the control device is entirely incorporated into the console without a communications line. This system demonstrated better response and reliability than the external control system and was applied successfully in 3 patients. In conclusion, this autoflow mode will expand the usage of centrifugal pumps through improved handling.