Summary:
UCLA researchers in the department of surgery developed a right atrial to pulmonary canula for extracorporeal life support.
Background:
Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is a last-resort medical intervention designed to support patients with severe cardiac or pulmonary failure. This technology involves the diversion of blood flow to an external apparatus for the oxygenation and circulation of blood. Several components are involved, including tubes for blood withdrawal and return (i.e., cannulas) and a pump. Existing ECLS technologies are limited by challenges associated with cannulas, including instability, limited blood flow rates, and unpredictable displacement. There remains an unmet need for a cannula that can deliver stable and varied blood flow rates for use in extracorporeal life support technologies.
Innovation:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Surgery developed a right atrial to pulmonary artery cannula for use in extracorporeal life support technologies. The system includes a fixation mechanism to prevent cannula displacement without causing damage to nearby tissue, which is a significant issue with existing devices. The disclosed invention is designed to accommodate optimal blood flow rate without the need for larger cannulas, reducing the risk of the breakdown of red blood cells. The stabilization of the cannula is designed to be retractable and repositionable, enhancing its adaptability and usability in ECLS treatment. This technology can improve the safety, effectiveness, and versatility of ECLS treatments, potentially improving patient outcome and reducing healthcare costs.
Potential Applications:
- Pulmonary support
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Bridge to transplantation
Advantages:
- Stabilized
- Optimized blood flow rate and dynamics
- Retractable and repositionable
- Accommodates variability in patient sizes
- Improved patient mobility
Development To Date:
First description of technology is complete.
Reference:
UCLA Case No. 2023-231
Lead Inventor:
Peyman Benharash