Evaluation of the hemodynamics of a new intra aortic balloon: a step towards better counterpulsation
Dr Ashraf Khir from Brunel University and Professor John Pepper, from the Royal Brompton hospital (Imperial College London), are investigating how to improve an important piece of equipment used to treat heart patients, called an intra-aortic balloon pump, which is an assist device that provides life-saving support to injured hearts. The balloon pump helps to decrease the load placed on the injured heart while also increasing the amount of blood pumped to the heart muscle. The current limitation of the pump is that it doesn’t work as well when the patient is in certain positions, such as reclining comfortably. In these positions, the balloon device delivers less blood to the heart. The researchers are redesigning the balloon to change its shape and will test its performance under laboratory conditions, including in pigs with heart failure. The tests will look at blood delivery when the balloon is placed at different angles to the horizontal. Ultimately, this could improve the success of treatment and the outcomes of patients in intensive care.
Project details
| Grant amount | £251,664 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Project Grants |
| Application type | Project Grant |
| Start Date | 01 March 2013 |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Reference | PG/12/73/29730 |
| Status | Complete |
