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Objective: Acute respiratory failure is complicated by acidosis and altered end-organ perfusion. NOVA-LUNG iLA is an interventional lung assist (ILA) device for arteriovenous carbon dioxide removal (AVCO2R). The present study was conducted to evaluate the device for short-term CO2 removal performance and hemodynamic response., Methods: Six adult sheep received cannulation of the jugular vein and carotid artery. The ILA-AVCO2R circuit was placed on the sheep for 72 hours. Hemodynamics and PaCO2 were measured; CO2 removal was calculated while varying sweep gas flow rates (Qg), device blood flow rates (Qb), and PaCO2., Results: Hemodynamic variables remained normal throughout the 72 hour study. CO2 removal increased with increases in Qg or Qb. Mean CO2 removal was 119.3 ml/min for Qb 1 L/ min, Qg 5 L/min, and PaCO2 40-50 mmHg. PaCO2 was directly proportional to CO2 clearance (R=0.72, p <0.001)., Conclusion: NOVALUNG iLA can provide near total CO2 removal with Qb 1-2 L/min, Qg 5 L/min, and minimal flow resistance (3.88+/-0.82 mmHg/L/min). PaCO2 correlates with CO2 removal and is dependent on Qb and Qg.

The intentional induction of elevated body temperature to treat malignant lesions has its origins in the 18th century. The mechanism of heat-induced cell death is not clear; however, heat induces a variety of cellular changes. For heat to exert a therapeutic effect, pathogens (bacteria, viruses, or neoplastic tissues) need to be susceptible within temperature ranges that do not exert deleterious effects on normal tissues. Hyperthermia has been used successfully to treat isolated neoplastic lesions of the head and neck, regional tumors such as melanoma of the limb, and is under investigation as either an adjunct to, or therapy for, locally disseminated and systemic diseases. The clinical utility of perfusion hyperthermia has evolved into three approaches - isolated organ or limb, tumorous invasion of a cavity, and systemic or metastatic spread. When whole-body hyperthermic treatment has been tried, it has been induced in the patient by submersion in hot wax or liquid, wrapping in plastic, encasement in a high-flow water perfusion suit, or by extracorporeal perfusion. Our group has developed an extracorporeal method, veno-venous perfusion-induced systemic hyperthermia, that was used first to safely heat swine homogenously to an average body temperature of 43 degrees C for 2 h. More recently, a Phase I clinical trial has been completed in which all patients were safely heated to 42 or 42.5 degrees C for 2 h and survived the 30-day study period. We have been sufficiently encouraged by these results and are continuing to develop this technology.