The VitalFlow ECMO system is designed to simplify bedside monitoring and patient transport within healthcare facilities.
RT’s Three Key Takeaways:
- Centralized Data Monitoring: The system features a large touch screen that provides real-time performance data and configurable settings to simplify the user experience for clinicians.
- Intra-Hospital Portability: Designed to bridge the gap between bedside care and transport, the system includes a configurable cart and a smart battery that displays remaining runtime in minutes.
- Optimized Blood Flow: The technology incorporates a centrifugal pump and oxygenator design intended to reduce blood stasis and heat generation during therapy.
Medtronic has launched the VitalFlow extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) system, a configurable solution designed to simplify bedside care and intra-hospital transport for patients requiring life support.
The system features a large touch screen that centralizes real-time performance data and is built for performance incorporating the Medtronic Nautilus ECMO oxygenator design, according to Medtronic. In the US, the system is indicated for use up to 48 hours.
“In gathering feedback from hundreds of clinicians with diverse ECMO specialties, we were able to design the VitalFlow system to address the most pressing unmet needs of simplicity, configurability, and performance in an ECMO system,” said Karim Bandali, PhD, president of the cardiac surgery business within the cardiovascular portfolio at Medtronic. “The simplicity of the VitalFlow system allows multiple users with varying levels of comfort to serve patients confidently and efficiently.”
The VitalFlow system includes a 360-degree indicator light bar for at-a-glance notifications, a smart battery that displays remaining runtime in minutes, and a smart revolutions per minute (RPM) knob for adjustments. The system also features a centrifugal pump designed with low profile fins for efficient blood flow at low RPM levels and ceramic pivot bearings to minimize heat generation, according to a product brochure.
The technology is the latest development following the Medtronic acquisition of MC3 Cardiopulmonary, which closed in March 2024. This acquisition followed an eight-year partnership and distribution agreement that resulted in seven new ECMO products. Prior to the acquisition, MC3 Cardiopulmonary manufactured ECMO products that were exclusively distributed by Medtronic, including catheters and oxygenators.
“Clinicians in the ECMO space have evolving needs,” said Pieter Kappetein, PhD, MD, chief medical officer, cardiac surgery, Medtronic. “With patients’ diseases becoming more complex, there is a growing demand for innovative solutions and commitments across multiple disease states.”
The VitalFlow system is supported by a configurable cart with quick-release mounts and a compact design to accommodate different hospital protocols and clinical preferences, according to the product brochure. The system also utilizes the VitalFlow set with Balance BioSurface, which is tested and indicated for use in ECMO.
Source
- https://respiratory-therapy.com/products-treatment/monitoring-treatment/therapy-devices/medtronic-launches-vitalflow-ecmo-system/
- https://www.medtronic.com/content/dam/medtronic-wide/public/united-states/products/cardiac-vascular/cardiovascular/extracorporeal-membrane-oxygenation/vitalflow-ecmo-full-system-product-brochure.pdf
