Effect of centrifugal and roller pumps on blood and myocardial structure in a normothermic machine-perfused ex vivo porcine heart model.

Objective. In this study, we investigated the different effects of roller and centrifugal pumps on blood and myocardial tissue structure in a normothermic machine-perfused ex vivo porcine heart model. Methods. We selected 16 healthy Guangxi Bama miniature pigs weighing 25-30 kg and randomly divided them into two groups, one perfused by a roller pump and the other perfused by a centrifugal pump. We recorded hemodynamic parameters, measured blood gases to test for erythrocyte destruction, coagulation, myocardial injury markers, and inflammatory factors, and observed pathological and ultrastructural changes in the left ventricular wall myocardial tissue. Results. There were no differences in perfusion, heart rate, blood gases, hemolysis, or cardiac enzyme levels between the two groups (p > .05). The centrifugal pump group had a higher platelet count, fibrinogen level, and prothrombin time and lower levels of D-dimer (p < .05). In the centrifugal pump group, compared to the roller pump group, the pro-inflammatory factor levels were significantly higher and interleukin-10 levels were significantly lower (p < .05). Hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy results showed no difference in the degree of myocardial tissue damage between the two groups. Conclusion. The results of this study suggested that the centrifugal pump model reduced platelet destruction, prolonged prothrombin time, avoided excessive fibrinogen activation, and attenuated elevated D-dimer levels. However, the centrifugal pump induced a greater inflammatory response compared to roller pump.