Artificial organs
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The primary objective of this study was to evaluate a novel electrocardiogram (ECG)-synchronized pulsatile extracorporeal life support (ECLS) system for adult partial mechanical circulatory support for adequate quality of pulsatility and enhanced hemodynamic energy generation in an in vivo animal model. The secondary aim was to assess end-organ protection during nonpulsatile versus synchronized pulsatile flow mode. Ten adult swine were randomly divided into a nonpulsatile group (NP, n = 5) and pulsatile group (P, n = 5), and placed on ECLS for 24 h using an i-cor system consisting of an i-cor diagonal pump, an iLA membrane ventilator, an 18 Fr femoral arterial cannula and a 23/25 Fr femoral venous cannula. ⋯ The novel i-cor system performed well in the nonpulsatile and ECG-synchronized pulsatile mode in an adult animal ECLS model. The iLA membrane oxygenator had an extremely lower transmembrane pressure gradient and excellent gas exchange capability. Our findings suggest that ECG-triggered pulsatile ECLS provides superior end-organ protection with improved renal function and systemic vascular tone.