With newer generation diagonal and centrifugal blood pumps gaining popularity, the objective of this study was to compare the DP3-i-cor diagonal and RotaFlow centrifugal pumps in terms of hemodynamic performance using simulated neonatal and pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits.

The DP3-i-cor diagonal pump is a part of the newly FDA-approved NovaLung system. The experimental circuit consisted of either the DP3-i-cor diagonal or RotaFlow centrifugal pump, a polymethylpentene membrane oxygenator, neonatal and pediatric arterial/venous cannulae, and 1/4-inch ID tubing. Three circuits were tested using combinations of either the DP3-i-cor or RotaFlow pump and varying arterial/venous cannulae sizes. Real-time pressure and flow data were collected.

The new DP3-i-cor diagonal pump exhibited lower flow rate and pressure head when compared to the RotaFlow centrifugal pump at similar rotational speeds and identical experimental conditions. Large-caliber arterial cannulae expectedly generated higher flow rates and pressures.

The RotaFlow centrifugal pump demonstrated superior hemodynamic performance when compared to the DP3-i-cor diagonal pump in simulated neonatal and pediatric ECMO circuits. Translational research of all ECMO components is crucial.