Superior hemodynamics in left heart bypass without systemic heparinization

Abstract

Open-chest left heart bypass was performed in 10 canine experiments (30+/- 9 kg) by a servo controlled roller pump for 6 h at a pump flow of 50ml/min per kg bodyweight. The surfaces of the tubing sets were eitherstandard (with systemic heparinization) or with end-point attached heparin(no systemic heparin). Besides continuous monitoring of hemodynamics, astandard battery of blood samples was taken before bypass, after 10 min andevery hour thereafter. There is no evidence of increased fibrin productionin the group with end-point attached heparin surfaces perfused withoutsystemic heparinization. Superior hemodynamics in left heart bypassperformed without systemic heparinization appear to be due to improvedhemostasis, reduced blood loss and therefore reduced transfusionrequirements. Left heart bypass with heparin-coated equipment has beensuccessfully used for resection of a thoracoabdominal aneurysm in sixpatients.