Blood and tissue silicone in extracorporeal circulation.

A new method for the determination of blood and tissue contents of silicone by atomic absorption spectrophotometry is described. Silicone was found in the blood, probably as droplets, in each of 14 patients undergoing open-heart surgery with the aid of a bubble oxygenator. In five fatal cases the brains and kidneys contained silicone. Although the clinical significance of the silicone embolization is unclear precautions should be taken to reduce the release of silicone from the extracorporealoxygenating devices.