Original Article

Does Oxygenator Type Affect Postoperative Care Charges?

Department of Cardiac Surgery and the Cardiovascular Research Institute, The Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio

Abstract

The impact of newer and more expensive technologies upon the cost of cardiac surgery is a growing concern. It has been suggested that membrane oxygenators of a variety of types have differenct characteristics which may affect patient outcome and the postoperative course and thus the cost of care.

Three hundred and sixteen patients were prospectively randomized to one of three membrane oxygenators (MO) to examine the impact upon postoperative care charges. There were no differences between groups in a variety of preoperative variables.

There was a trend (not statistically significant) toward lower ventilator time, respiratory care related charges and intensive care unit stay and thus total postoperative care charges associated with the sue of rolled silicone sheet MO compared with microporous polypropylene hollow fiber or microporous polypropylene folded sheet MO. Design-related advantages and disadvantages were noted by perfusionists depending upon the type of surgical procedure performed.

Studies examining the impact of high cost technology upon patient care will be required as concerns about the overall cost of medical care grow.