A prospective evaluation of the pulsatile assist device.

Conversion of roller pump flow to pulsatile flow by the pulsatile assist device (PAD) is said to result in improved myocardial preservation and a decrease in the incidence of perioperative myocardial infarction. The clinical advantages of the PAD were evaluated in a prospective randomized study of 100 consecutive coronary artery bypass operations. Serial electrocardiograms, creatine phosphokinase isoenzyme studies, and myocardial scans with technetium-labeled pyrophosphate failed to demonstrate any signficiant difference between patients with the PAD and those receiving nonpulsatile flow. Plasma hemoglobin levels were significantly higher in the PAD group indicating increased blood trauma. Other potential disadvantages of the PAD are discussed. Based on this study, we see few advantages of the PAD in routine coronary bypass operations.