Factors necessary for successful replantation of upper extremities

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Adjunctive use of a surface-active agent in extracorporeal circulation

1. A nonionic surfactant, Pluronic F68, was used in prolonged experimental and clinical extracorporeal circulation, and data are presented which support the efficacy of the use of this agent.

2. Hemolysis and fat embolism resulting from prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass with a bubble oxygenator were greatly reduced by use of the surfactant.

3. The surfactant markedly prevented and improved the intravascular "sludging." 4. The surfactant also reduced the fibrin deposition on the filter of the oxygenator.

5. The function of the pump oxygenator was not affected.

6. No adverse physiological effects resulting from the Pluronic were discovered. It may, therefore, have widespread application in extracorporeal circulation.