Title Extracorporeal Circulation Combined with Hypothermia and Hemodilution Technique

ABSTRACT

A hypothermic, low flow perfusion, using 5% dextrose in water as the priming fluid in the pump-oxygenator, was carried out to observe oxygen consumption, blood pH changes, and CO2 tension during the bypass period. A low oxygen consumption which was approximately one third of the preperfusion value, was observed during the total by-pass period. This is believed to be due to the effect of low flow rates employed, hypothermia and low CO2 tension observed in these animals. The pH of the arterial blood and the partition of the total CO2 remained within a fairly normal range. There was a marked reduction in CO2 tension during the bypass period. Its harmful effect on the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve and cerebral circulation was discussed. The hemodilution attendant to the use of 5% dextrose in water as the priming fluid is considered insignificant.