Mechanical circulatory support via the left ventricular vent. The concept of left ventricular copulsation

Left ventricular copulsation was evaluated as a means of circulatory support in an experimental canine cardiogenic shock preparation. Copulsation was effected by a commercially available pulsatile assist device which was attached to an apical left ventricular vent cannula. The hemodynamic effects were compared with those of intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) in the same animals. Copulsation produced a 35.6% increase in mean aortic blood pressure, a 32.3% reduction in mean left atrial pressure, a 66.7% increase in cardiac output, and a 76.2% increase in coronary blood flow. The improvement in these variables was significantly greater during left ventricular copulsation than during IABP (p < 0.05). The method is simple, uses equipment that is readily available, and is potentially a powerful intermediate circulatory support modality between IABP and more complex techniques.