Pulmonary and haemodynamic effects of extracorporeal circulation in the cat and the beneficial effects of prostacyclin.

Side-effects of a veno-venous extracorporeal system and possible beneficial effects of prostacyclin (epoprostenol) are analyzed on the cat. Three groups were studied; one control group without extracorporeal circulation and two groups with an extracorporeal flow of 10-12 ml/kg/min, one of which was given prostacyclin (70-110 ng/kg/min). The extracorporeal circulation triggered a decrease in arterial saturation (from 99 to 91%) and carbon dioxide elimination (increase in arterial to end-tidal PCO2 by about 1 kpa) a metabolic acidosis (pH approximately 7.20), a platelet consumption (approximately 50%) and shortened survival time, side-effects reduced by prostacyclin. Further, there was a marked increase in haemoglobin concentration indicating hypovolemia via capillary fluid filtration. None of these side-effects were seen in the control group. Extracorporeal circulation as a trigger for pulmonary dysfunction and for impaired tissue nutrition with possible beneficial effects of prostacyclin is discussed, and also form a clinical point of view (i.e. extracorporeal lung assistance, ECLA), on the basis of the results.