ABSTRACT
During cardiopulmonary bypass, the heart-lung machine and the patient's gas exchange systems (uptake and elimination) form an undissociable couple. Changes in one of the components lead to corresponding changes in the other. In the artificial lung, like in the natural lung and peripheral tissues, gas exchanges depend on several parameters: blood inlet conditions, blood flow rate, temperature, composition of the gas mixture used for ventilation, blood tissue perfusion, O2 consumption, etc. The perfusionist's primary objective is to obtain from the artificial lung adequate O2 delivery to and CO2 removal from the tissues. This paper discusses the main parameters which must be taken into account and analyses the main sensors currently available for in-line measurement of blood gases.
