Technique

Prevention of Platelet Adhesion to Extracorporeal Surfaces

¹ Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, T.N. Medical College, Birmingham, AL
² B.Y.L. Nair Hospital, Bombay, India

^* Direct communications to: James M. Bowman, University of Alabama Hospitals, Department of Surgery-Cardiovascular Perfusion, 619 19th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233.

Abstract

Both exsanguination and thrombogenic complications pose threats to the life processes of post-operative patients who have undergone cardiopulmonary bypass. Platelet extraction by extracorporeal tubing contributes significantly to these risks.

This study demonstrates platelet adhesion to polyvinyl chloride and silicone rubber. Experiments were carried out by preparing extracorporeal circuits for three dogs. Polyvinyl chloride and silicone rubber were chosen because of their widespread use in open heart surgery. Subsequent spectrophotometric analysis revealed protein adsorption in albuminized and nonalbuminized circuits. Pre-bypass recirculation of an albuminized prime for at least thirty minutes effectively reduces platelet adhesion to tubing surfaces during bypass.