The Influence of the Residual Stress in Silicone Tubes in the Calibration Methods of Roller Pumps Used in Cardiopulmonary Bypass

The rotation of rollers in cardiopulmonary bypass pumps propels the blood through various devices to reach the patient. Very occlusive settings may squeeze red blood cells, whereas a nonocclusive setting may result in retrograde flow. Occlusion of roller pumps may be regulated either by measuring the drop rate or by dynamic calibration. This study evaluated the influence of silicone tubing residual stress found on pump regulation. Silicone tubes obtained from two different suppliers were used in 6-inch DeBakey roller pumps. The variations occurring over time in the measurements of drop rate, dynamic calibration, and tube residual stress were analyzed. Covariance analysis of the four linear regressions has shown a progressive and accentuated reduction in drop rate (p < 0.002). It is noticeable that the angular coefficients of the drop rate measurements of the four silicone tubes are the same (p > 0.56). This reduction in drop rate measurements may affect the regulation of the pumps before surgical procedures. One probable cause for this reduction is the residual stress found in the silicone tubes. Settings based on the dynamic calibration process tended to be repeated over time. Simple linear regression test (angular coefficient equals zero) has shown a p > 0.79 showing no interference of the silicone tubes residual stress on dynamic calibration, suggesting that one should use this method to calibrate roller pumps.