Autoregulated extra- and intracorporeal pump system for perfusion.

Recent statistics indicate that one serious event occurs once in every 300 perfusions. We have devised a cybernetic approach using photosensors and pressure sensors at critical points of the circuit which should allow feedback regulation of the bypass according to the changes in venous return. In order to avoid overtransfusion, left atrial pressure control is employed. This also enables automatic weaning and facilitates partial bypass. In the clinical setting a test system proved to be accommodated to prevent gross air contamination of the arterial line. Based on vast clinical experience with the conventional method of extrapulmonary circulation, the logical extension of this work will be the development of a compact pump oxygenator utilizing hemofilters, the pump portion of which can be temporarily implanted until the cardiac function has been restored. It is autoregulated and, if the need arises, controlled by the anesthetist, one of whose primary concerns will be physiological perfusion.