Concept of the smart canula ® |
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The smart canula ® can be stretched over a mandrel and collapsed prior to intra-vascular insertion. In its “low- profile” configuration, the smart canula ® is slid over a guidewire and positioned within the target vessel. | 
| Once in position, the guide wire and the mandrel are removed. Due to its memory, the smart canula ® expands and provides an unsurpassed lumen. Simple traction is enough for reduced diameter and removal. | 
| Mathematical simulation of velocity contours for a standard 18F cannula with a flow of 4 l/min by computational fluid dynamics (CFD): Pressure drop accounts for 140 mmHg | 
| For the same 18F access aperture and flow, CFD shows for an expanding design significantly lower velocity contours. Pressure drop in this setting accounts only for 49 mmHg. | 
| Schematic cranio-caudal view of the inferior vena cava, the iliac and the femoral veins. At the target level, which is defined as the position providing optimal drainage, standard cannulas use only a cannula small fraction of the available cross sectional area. | 
| The diameter of a self-expanding cannula is not limited by the diameter of the access vessel. As a result, drainage is superior and a pump or vacuum is not necessary for augmentation of venous return. | 
| In vivo assessment of a standard cannula within the inferior vena cava by intra-vascular ultrasound (IVUS=*). The luminal diameter of the standard accounts for 7.2 mm. The cross-sectional area accounts for 40.7 mm2 (a fraction of the vein). | 
| The smart canula ® in vivo as seen by IVUS* (same vena cava as shown above). The lumen of smart canula ™ is 10 mm and the cross-section- al area accounts for 78.5 mm2 : almost the double! |  |
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