Vortex Cannula

	- Distal Funnel for Material Removal
	- Balloon Provides Inflow Regulation

Fig. 2. Flow dynamics of the funnel drainage cannula

Fig. 3. Test fixture to evaluate the mechanics of the vacuum extraction process

## **3.4.4 Results**

134 Special Topics in Cardiac Surgery

Vortex Cannula

Flow

ID 0.9"

Fig. 3. Test fixture to evaluate the mechanics of the vacuum extraction process

ID 0.9"

ID 1/2" ID 1/2"

ID 5/8"

• Balloon Expandable Cannula

Inflow

Inflated Balloon

ID 1/2"

– Distal Funnel for Material Removal

– Balloon Provides Inflow Regulation

Fig. 2. Flow dynamics of the funnel drainage cannula

ID 1/2"

ID 5/8"

ID 1/2" ID 0.9"

ID 5/8"

ID 3/4"

Valve

At a separation distance of 11 cm between the tip of the funnel and the clot model, no movement of the clot was noted with the valve closed completely, at all pump flow rates increased to a maximum of 6 liters per minute. Advancement of the funnel cannula to the proximity of the clot model, at 5 cm of separation, allowed extraction at 4.6 liters per minute of pump flow rate. With the valve completely open, allowing ample backflow, the clot model was extracted at a separation distance of 11 cm with a pump flow rate of 2.5 liters per minute. When the valve was 80% closed, clot extraction did not occur at 11 cm; however, removal was observed at 5 cm of separation distance at a pump flow rate of 6 liters per minute.
