Research Project
10286952
Project Summary The goal of this proposal is to develop a quick-connect cannulation system to allow rapid, easy, and safe cannulation in pediatric cardiac patients. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has emerged as a vital tool for saving patients suffering cardiovascular and/or respiratory failure. However, even in well experienced hands, the initiation of ECMO support is relatively time consuming in a stressful environment with frequent complications. The goal of this R21 proposal submission is to develop a novel quick-connection cannulation system to allow for rapid, easy, and safe cannulation in the pediatric population. This proposal is being submitted to PA- 18-482 after discussion with NICHD program officers. We will accomplish this through two specific aims. Aim 1: Develop new rapid cannulation device. A new rapid cannulation device will be developed and prototyped. The device will be designed to securely attach to current commercial arterial and venous cannulas from 8Fr-16Fr in diameter and tested for mechanical stability on a tensile testing machine. Aim 2: Evaluate device in bench top and swine animal tests. The device will first be evaluated in a bench test using 3D printed model hearts and a closed loop pressurized system to mimic cardiac flow. Once these tests are successful, swine animal trials will be done using expired pigs from other research projects at our institute. The successful completion of this project will provide us with a prototype device that can move towards clinical studies in future work, which would include developing a biodegradable version. An alternative safe, easy, and fast cannulation procedure may reduce the duration of E-CPR by minimizing the time needed for secure cannulation, reducing or even preventing potential damage to the brain and other organ systems. Such an innovation has the potential to significantly improve outcomes both in terms of mortality and morbidity of pediatric patients undergoing E-CPR.
