Abstract
The mean, pulsatile and total power outputs of the Centrimed centrifugal pump, the Stöckert roller pump, the Polystan flat-plate compression pump and the Keele ventricle pump were compared when loaded with an artificial circulation system. The hydraulic power in the model 'aorta' was affected by the pump output, the peripheral resistance and the model compliance, but not the pulse repetition frequency. Under similar operating conditions, the power generated by the pumps differed markedly and these differences were almost entirely due to the pulsatile content of the pressure and flow waveforms. Compared to the human heart, the Stöckert pump generated only about 12.4% as much pulsatile power, while the Polystan pump generated 82.0% and the Keele pump generated 271.9% at 4.01 min-1 and 80 strokes min-1. It is suggested that the benefits of pulsatile blood flow may be derived from the lateral transmission of energy and the promotion of tissue fluid movement. The failure of some investigators to detect these benefits may be because the pulsatile content of the pump output was insufficient.
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