Cellular aggregation and destruction during blood circulation and oxygenation

A clinical evaluation of the performance characteristics of one membrane and five bubble oxygenators: gas transfer and gaseous microemboli production

The gas transfer characteristics and gaseous microemboli (GME) production of five different bubble oxygenators (Polystan Venotherm, Harvey H-1700, Bentley BIO-10, Gambro 10 and Shiley S-100A HED) and one membrane oxygenator (Cobe CML) have been assessed during standardized clinical perfusion for open-heart surgery in 60 adult patients. The perfusionist attempted to maintain physiological levels of PaCO 2 (5 ± 1 kPa) and PaO2 (12 ± 2 kPa). Only 3% of blood gas values were within the normal range in the Bentley BIO-10 group compared with 17% for the Gambro 10, 20% for the Shiley S-100A HED, 31% for the Polystan Venotherm, 33% for the Cobe CML and 36% for the Harvey H-1700. The number of GME detected in the arterial line was significantly lower in the Cobe CML membrane oxygenator when compared with any of the five different bubble oxygenators (p < 0·001). The Polystan Venotherm released significantly less GME (p < 0·02) than the other oxygenators and the Shiley S-100A HED released significantly more GME (p < 0·02) than the other oxygenators except the Gambro 10. Low gas-blood flow ratios were not necessarily associated with low GME levels and inadequate oxygenation. This study provides meaningful data on which to base the choice of oxygenator, for clinical perfusions.

Neuro-ophthalmological complications of coronary artery bypass graft surgery

In a prospective study of neurological complications of coronary bypass surgery, detailed pre- and post-operative bedside ophthalmological evaluation was undertaken in 312 patients. Post-operative neuro-ophthalmological complications developed in 80/312 (25.6%) patients and included: areas of retinal infarction (17.3%); retinal emboli (2.6%); visual field defects (2.6%); reduction of visual acuity (4.5%) and Horner's syndrome (1.3%). Neuro-ophthalmological complications were not observed in a control group of 50 patients undergoing major peripheral vascular surgery. Ten of 75 patients reviewed at 6 months still had detectable neuro-ophthalmological abnormalities, but functional disability occurred only in those with persistent visual field defects. Multivariate analysis revealed that extra-coronary vascular disease, severe and prolonged duration of heart disease prior to operation, and large drop in haemoglobin level during surgery may predispose to neuro-ophthalmological complications.

Cellular aggregation and trauma in cardiotomy suction systems

Experiments in dogs showed that the high levels of cellular aggregation and trauma caused by cariodtomy suction can be considerably reduced by the avoidance of air aspiration. A hypothesis is proposed to explain this on the basis of shear stresses in the inlet cannula. Roller pump suction was also found to be slightly more traumatic than vaccum suction, but contact of the blood with the pericardium had no effect so long as the pericardium and epicardium had been previously washed with saline.

Whole blood storage in citrate and phosphate solutions containing half-strength trisodium citrate: cellular and biochemical studies

The efficacy of whole blood preservation in acid citrate dextrose (ACD-A) and citrate-phosphate dextrose (CPD) anticoagulants containing half-strength trisodium citrate concentrations, was determined by biochemical and cellular assessment during 28 day storage at 4 degrees--6 degrees. Erythrocyte 2,3-DPG and ATP concentrations, serum potassium, plasma haemoglobin, and blood pH values were similar between the standard and half-strength citrate counterpart in both ACD-A and CPD series, throughout the entire storage period. Erythrocyte indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC, and osmotic fragility) and the red cell, platelet, and leucocyte counts, were also similar regardless of the final citrate concentration in both ACD-A and CPD series during the 28 day storage period. Tests of coagulation (PT, KCCT, TT, and ethanol gel) and fibrinogen levels were also similar, except for a lower quantity of clottable fibrinogen at day 28 in half-strength CPD. The formation of platelet and leucocyte aggregates during storage, as measured by changes in the SFP, were similar in magnitude whether or not the half-strength citrate formulation was used in ACD-A or CPD. Phagocytic and bactericidal capacity against Staph. aureus was normal following 24-hr storage at 4 degrees--6 degrees, in both ACD-A and CPD preserved blood, regardless of the final citrate concentration. It may now be concluded from this evaluation and those of others, that a reasonable argument can be made for reducing the citrate quantity presently used during blood storage, in order to provide a safe and effective transfusion product for routine use.

Cerebral protection during open-heart surgery

To reduce the incidence of cerebral damage after open-heart surgery measures were undertaken based on physiological principles and consideration of the possible injury caused by microemboli. Intellectual function was measured by psychometric tests before and after operation. The results were compared with those of an earlier series. There was a striking reduction in the incidence of neurolocial complications. There was also a considerable reduction in the degree of impairment of intellectual function previously shown to develop after open-heart surgery. However, there are still signs that cardiopulmonary bypass brings about subclinical cerebral injuriies. The measures taken and their rationale are discussed. Psychometric testing is a useful method for evaluating the quality of cardiopulmonary bypass as it allows a quantitative assessment of postoperative cerebral function.