Left ventricular support using the Gyro C1E3 centrifugal pump: durability of the double-pivot, blood-immersed bearing in prolonged clinical use

Abstract

The Gyro Pump C1E3 has a double-pivot bearing system to support its impeller in this completely seal-less centrifugal pump. Previous experimental studies have suggested long-term durability of this bearing system; however, there have been no data on prolonged clinical use. We present a patient with cardiogenic shock caused by ventricular septal perforation who was supported by a Gyro C1E3 for 19 days for extracorporeal left ventricular support. The morphological changes in the pump's bearings were assessed. Over the 19 days, the C1E3 showed stable pumping and no mechanical trouble. Measurement of female pivot depth revealed that the deformity of the bottom female pivot is greater than that of the top female pivot. These results suggest that morphological change in the bottom female pivot may result from spinning of the impeller in the bottom contact phase during a prolonged period of left ventricular support.