MagAssist’s ECMO system BreathMo was highlighted at the American Society for Artificial Internal Organs (ASAIO) 68th Annual Meeting in San Francisco.
Dong Guo, MD, from Beijing Anzhen Hospital, introduced the device featured in a study titled “A 14-Day In-Vivo Evaluation of a Newly Developed Maglev ECMO System BreathMo, ” demonstrating its effectiveness and safety for providing both pulmonary and cardiac support.
To bridge clinical gaps in China, magAssist developed a new generation ECMO system, BreathMo. The use of maglev technology reduces the risk of blood damage caused by mechanical contact bearings, resulting in safer operation. The maglev pump demonstrates superior hemocompatibility with overall low blood damage at the hemolysis level and degradation of high-molecular-weight (VWF).
The system’s flow rate of up to 7L/min is complemented by an oxygenator that maintains exceptional performance, offering a low-pressure drop (less than 50mmHg) even at maximum flow rates. Notably, the device incorporates an ultra-compact portable console weighing less than 8 kg, allowing healthcare professionals to tailor treatment to individual patient needs.
In the study, designed to evaluate the in-vivo performance and safety of BreathMo, the final health status of ten sheep selected for the trial, with five undergoing VA cannulation and the remaining five undergoing VV cannulation, demonstrated the system’s capability to provide pulmonary and cardiac support.
The study revealed their plasma-free hemoglobin levels were within an acceptable range, with consistently optimal oxygenator performance. The PFH values ranged from 0.36 to 14.80mg/dL, far below 40 mg/dL which is an indicator of possible thrombus formation.
The autopsy examinations conducted after the study showed no complications, embolism, thrombus formation, or end-organ damage, with no device-related adverse events reported, further affirming the system’s safety profile and paving the way for its first-in-human studies trial in the near future.
Guo said it was essential to develop ECMOs with full maglev centrifugal pumps, which may better support patients in the long run. Full maglev centrifugal pumps have emerged as a highly promising solution, offering superior hemocompatibility, and presenting potential engineering innovations for long-term ECMO or membrane applications.
“The development of BreathMo marks another technological milestone as we seek new innovative life-saving solutions to enhance patient well-being while empowering healthcare professionals to improve their treatment outcomes. With our innovative maglev technology that allows for good hemocompatibility, BreathMo not only provides safe and effective cardiopulmonary support but is also a new promising starting point as we continue to leverage industry and technical resources to unlock new possibilities for the ECMO field,” said Dr Chiahao Hsu, senior director of the science and innovation department at magAssist
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