Use of the centrifugal flow pump for vena caval shunting.

Abstract We have used the Bio-Medicus centrifugal flow pump for vena cava shunting during surgical resection of renal cell carcinoma with extension of the tumor into the inferior vena cava. The active shunt can provide optimal blood return to the heart to promote hemodynamic stability, help provide an isolated field for resection of the involved kidney and its tumor extension into the vena cava, and avoid use of full-dose heparin to minimize blood loss in this extensive operation.