In vivo comparison of the optiflow and EZ glide aortic dispersion cannulas

OBJECTIVES: Morbidity associated with coronary artery bypass grafts and embolization during aortic cannulation is strongly related to patient characteristics/comorbidities, arterial cannulation site used and the shape of arterial cannulae tips. The desired features of an arterial cannula should be to mitigate the morbid effects of these cannulas and to focus on achieving higher blood flows with lower cannula pressures (CPs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate the in vivo performance of two aortic dispersion flow cannulas: the Optiflow (Sorin Group, Italy) and EZ Glide (Edwards Lifesciences). They were evaluated for CPs, pump-flow rates (FRs), and plasma-free hemoglobin (Hb) over a 12-month period. Data were collected in a prospective, randomized (1:1), nonblinded, monocentric study with a cohort of 30 patients (optiflow group N = 15; EZ Glide group N = 15). RESULTS: The optiflow cannula was found to have decreasing CPs as the pump FRs were increased (112.3 ± 10.9 vs 131.1 ± 11.4 mm Hg; P < .001). Results indicated no significant differences between groups for increases in plasma free Hb (P = .41) and total microembolic signals counts during the period of cardiac surgery (P = .63). CONCLUSIONS: Both optiflow and EZ Glide dispersion flow arterial cannulas performed well, but the optiflow cannula demonstrated an ability to increase pump FRs with lower arterial line and CPs than the EZ Glide cannula. This implies an ability to improve peripheral perfusion while reducing cannula shear stress and the risk of endothelial damage, thereby having the potential to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic plaque dislodgement.