An in vitro evaluation of an automatic clamp for use with centrifugal pumps.

The risk of air emboli is a concern for all perfusionists. A new clamping device for use with centrifugal pumps is designed to clamp both the arterial and venous lines at the first indication of air or retrograde flow, thereby allowing the perfusionist to evaluate the situation and correct the problem before entraining air into the arterial pump head. After evaluating this device in our lab, we conclude that this new safety device should be added to the heart lung machine by all perfusionists using centrifugal pumps.