Case Report

Bloodless Prime in Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Bypass Circuits

Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine

^* Address correspondence to: Carol A. Zografos, RN, CCP Maine Medical Center 22 Bramhall St. Portland, ME 04702

Abstract

Hemodilution during cardiopulmonary bypass is a well established practice. In pediatric cardiac surgery the volume of the prime may cause excessive hemodilution. In most institutions hemodilution in pediatric patients is controlled by adding blood to the prime. This case involves a female patient weighing 15.4 kilograms who received no blood other than that recovered during her surgery. The blood was processed in a cell washing device. A 968 milliliter clear prime was utilized. The data collected during and post bypass was examined and demonstrated the adequacy of perfusion in this patient. Parameters utilized to demonstrate the adequacy of perfusion include pH, urine output and venous oxygen saturation.