The pressure sensor membrane flexes when the pressure on one side is
different from the pressure on the other side, and the electrical properties
of the membrane change when it flexes. This allows the sensor to generate
an electrical signal proportional to how much the membrane is flexed, and
thus proportional to the difference between the pressure on the outside of
the cannula and the pressure inside. When the Impella 5.0 Catheter is placed
in the correct position across the aortic valve, the top (outer surface) of the
sensor is exposed to the aortic pressure and the bottom (inner surface) of the
sensor is exposed to the ventricular pressure. Therefore, the placement signal
is approximately equal to the difference between the aortic pressure and the
ventricular pressure.
120
Systole
80
Diastole
0
Time
P
=
P
-
P
Differential
AO
LV
Aortic pressure (P
Pressure difference (P
)
Differencial
When the Impella 5.0 Catheter is correctly positioned across the aortic valve,
the changes in pressure associated with the cardiac cycle result in a pulsatile
placement signal. During diastole, the large pressure difference between the
aorta and the left ventricle creates a large electrical signal. Then at the peak
of systole, when the aortic valve opens, the pressure difference between the
aorta and the left ventricle—and thus the electrical signal—is zero.
Thus, the continual pressure changes associated with the cardiac cycle
produce the pulsatile (up and down) waveform seen on the Automated
Impella Controller display.
Impella 5.0
®
Circulatory Support System
When the Impella 5.0
or when it is fully in the aorta or fully in the ventricle, the pressures outside
and inside the cannula are the same throughout the cardiac cycle. As a result,
the pressure on either side of the sensor membrane is the same, resulting in a
flat placement signal.
Aortic pressure
Pressure
difference
Left ventricular
pressure
)
Left ventricular pressure (P
)
AO
LV
PURGE CASSETTE
The purge cassette delivers rinsing fluid to the Impella 5.0 Catheter. The
purge fluid (typically 5% glucose solution in water with Heparin) flows from
the purge cassette through the catheter to the microaxial blood pump to
prevent blood from entering the motor. When the purge cassette is properly
installed in the Automated Impella Controller, the Abiomed
and facing you.
Note: If included, disconnect and discard the Y Connector from the purge
tubing when setting up the Impella 5.0 System and connect the yellow luer
on the end of the purge tubing directly to the yellow luer on the Impella 5.0
Catheter.
Catheter is not properly placed across the aortic valve,
®
Do not use saline in the purge system.
logo is upright
®
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