Evaluation of leukocyte-reducing arterial line filter (LG6) for postoperative lung function, using cardiopulmonary bypass.

OBJECTIVE

To prevent postoperative pulmonary dysfunction, we have investigated the effect of the Leuko-Guard 6 leukocyte-reducing arterial line filter (LG6) on postoperative lung function.

METHODS

Twenty-six cases of adult valvular heart disease were included in this study. Thirteen cases were operated upon using the LG6 (Group LG), and 13 cases were operated upon using a conventional arterial line filter (Group C). Neutrophil, polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase and lipoperoxide were measured for this study, and the lung function was evaluated using the Oxygenation Index (PaO2/FiO2).

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were observed in neutrophil counts between Group LG and Group C (LG = 2225 +/- 572/mm3, C = 3157 +/- 1413/mm3, p = 0.04) at 5 minutes after the onset of cardiopulmonary bypass. In simultaneous blood sampling from the pulmonary artery and the pulmonary vein, the sequestration of neutrophil in the lung decreased in Group LG after the discontinuation of cardiopulmonary bypass. Release of polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase from the lungs was significantly decreased (p = 0.04) in the Group LG at 1 hour post-bypass. Significant differences were observed in the Oxygenation Index between Group LG and Group C (LG = 398 +/- 72, C = 326 +/- 71, p = 0.019) at 3 hours post-bypass.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that LG6 improved the postoperative lung function, and its mechanism might be derived from the prevention of leukosequestration in the lungs that occurs during the rewarming phase due to selective absorption of activated leukocyte by the LG6.