Original Article

Clinical Evaluation of Bentley 10 Plus Bubble Oxygenator

Heart Institute of the Desert, Rancho Mirage, CA

^* Direct communications to: Joseph W. Basha, Jr., C.C.P., Heart Institute of the Desert, 39600 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270.

Abstract

This is the first clinical report evaluating the accuracy, safety and operative simplicity of the new BENTLEY 10 PLUS (B10+) bubble oxygenator to control pO₂ and pCO₂ independently. Eleven patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were randomly selected. The Bentley Gas Stat (BGS) was used to obtain blood gas values during CPB at five-minute intervals, (N = 270). BGS calibration values were recorded. Confirming blood gas samples were sent to the hospital laboratory at approximately 15-minute intervals to ensure accuracy of the BGS. Adjustments to the gas flow controller (GFC) and total gas flow (TGF) were made to maintain the pO₂ and pCO₂ with predetermined ranges, 100–150 torr and 38–42 torr, respectively. The number of adjustments required to maintain values within ranges, GFC settings, TGF settings, Hemoglobin, and visual signs of hemolysis (hemoglobin-urea) were charted.

The B10+ unique gas flow control mechanism and central filming chamber enables the user to independently control pO₂ and pCO₂ during CPB: thus, A) maintain blood gases within physiologic ranges, B) reduces microgaseous emboli emission, C) reduces blood trauma and D) allows blood gas control similar to a membrane at significantly less cost. Use of a continuous on-line blood gas analyzer is recommended with this oxygenator.