RadioGraphics, Vol 17, 1141-1155, Copyright © 1997 by Radiological Society of North America
Methods of cardiopulmonary support: a review for radiologists
PN Cascade, JF Meaney and DA Jamadar
Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor 48109-0326, USA.
Physicians are generally aware of the use of bypass pumps during open heart
surgery and of the intraaortic balloon pump in treatment of cardiogenic
shock. In selected research centers, other advanced methods of
cardiopulmonary support are being introduced. Some devices such as the
total artificial heart fail clinical trials and disappear from use. Others,
like some of the partial artificial hearts, improve outcomes and gain wider
clinical use. Some devices temporarily support the circulation in patients
recovering from acute circulatory collapse, whereas others provide
longer-term circulatory support for patients awaiting transplantation.
Permanently implanted devices provide circulatory assistance in cases of
chronic, debilitating heart failure. Technology to support lung function in
the setting of acute respiratory failure, allowing healing to take place,
is also under study. Radiologists should be familiar with the operating
principles and radiographic appearances of these emerging techniques to
maintain their role as consultants to cardiopulmonary specialists.
