The Affinity Fusion oxygenation system’s new design enhancements include:
- A proprietary fiber winding process with an interlaced pattern that efficiently filters the blood and removes particles and air while at the same time oxygenating the blood;
- Smooth tubular pathways for blood to pass through and a first-of-its-kind curved venous inlet tube, both of which can reduce blood turbulence during the surgical procedure;
- Enhanced setup and customization capabilities, including a new oxygenator system holder, which gives perfusionists improved flexibility and ease of use in various operating rooms, including those with limited space.
“The
new Affinity Fusion oxygenator is designed to provide perfusionists
with the most innovative and enhanced product of its kind,” said cardiac
surgeon Dr. John Liddicoat, senior vice president and president of
Medtronic’s Structural Heart division. “With so many patients undergoing
cardiac surgery each year, Affinity Fusion provides patients with a
reliable oxygenation system that is designed to proactively manage air
and gently handle blood. This is an important consideration for
hospitals that are focused on implementing patient blood management
programs and other initiatives that can impact costs associated with
transfusions and post-operative complications.”
The Fusion
oxygenation system was used in the U.S. for the first time at Cleveland
Clinic by perfusionist Patrick Grady, director of Perfusion Services and
a paid member of the expert advisory board for the Fusion, during an
open-heart surgery in which a patient underwent a right mini-thoracotomy
and mitral valve repair procedure. The surgery was performed by Joseph
Sabik, M.D., chair of the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular
Surgery at Cleveland Clinic and a paid member of Medtronic’s valve
scientific advisory board. Additionally, the Fusion system was used in
mitral valve repair cases at The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano, in Plano,
Texas by cardiovascular surgeons Will Ryan, M.D., and Robert Smith,
M.D., with chief perfusionist Al Lione.
The Fusion oxygenation
system is used by perfusionists during open-heart surgical procedures
that require a bloodless, motionless surgical field, such as lifesaving
cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. As temporary “lungs,” the system adds
oxygen and removes carbon dioxide from the blood. This year,
cardiopulmonary bypass will occur in roughly 1 million patients
worldwide1.
The development process of the Fusion oxygenator included extensive
collaboration between Medtronic engineers and more than 500
perfusionists worldwide.
The Affinity Fusion oxygenator received CE Mark in September 2012.
In
collaboration with leading clinicians, researchers and scientists,
Medtronic offers the broadest range of innovative medical technology for
the interventional and surgical treatment of cardiovascular disease and
cardiac arrhythmias. The company strives to offer products and services
that deliver clinical and economic value to healthcare consumers and
providers worldwide.
Source: Medtronic
