A New Percutaneous Approach to Treat Combined Right Ventricular and Respiratory Failure: The "Aachen Cannula".

INTRODUCTION

Right ventricular failure (RVF) on its own is a life-threatening condition. Often it manifests as a two-organ failure in the final phase of several lung diseases. Mechanical circulatory support is a proven treatment of RVF but remains challenging. Our objective is to develop a novel, simplified, and minimally invasive cannula approach to treat both RVF and respiratory failure.

METHODS

We conceptualized a dual lumen cannula approach to allow oxygenated right-to-left shunting at an atrial level to decompress right-sided circulation. A minimally invasive approach through percutaneous, transjugular insertion and transseptal placement should enable patients to be non-sedated and even ambulatory. In an iterative design, pre-prototyping, prototyping, and anatomic fitting process, such a cannula was generated and tested in both cadaveric and fluid dynamic studies.

RESULTS

After various modifications and improvements, a 27-Fr 255-mm-long double-lumen cannula with an inner line (oxygenated blood return to patient into the left atrium) of 18 Fr and an inflatable balloon (with a volume of approximately 1 mL) at the outflow tip was produced - one version with a straight head and another one with a curved head. In our anatomic studies, the "Aachen Cannula" allowed an easy transjugular introduction and advancement into the right atrium by Seldinger technique. Transseptal placement was achieved by puncture (Brockenbrough needle) in combination with dilatation and was then secured in place with the stabilizing balloon, even under slight tension. The cannula prototype enabled a flow of up to 3.5 L/min, at which common pressure drops were observed.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we successfully conceptualized, designed, and verified a minimally invasive one-cannula approach for the treatment of either isolated right heart failure and even combined RVF and respiratory failure through our transseptal Aachen Cannula. This concept may also be carried out in ambulatory conditions. Moreover, this approach completely avoids recirculation issues and ensures reliable oxygenated coronary as well as cerebral perfusion.