Effect of a miniaturized extracorporeal circulation (MECC System) on liver function.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of a miniaturized extracorporeal circulation system (MECC System) compared to conventional extracorporeal circulation (ECC) regarding liver function in cardiac surgical patients.

METHODS

Double indicator dilution measurements were achieved by bolus injection of indocyanine green (ICG) for assessment of cardiac index (CI) and plasma disappearance rate of ICG (PDRig). Measurements were simultaneously performed preoperatively after induction of anaesthesia (T1), following admission on the ICU (T2) and 6 h postoperatively (T3).

RESULTS

CI and PDRig were markedly increased after cardiac surgery without significant differences between groups. The percentage increase in CI was significantly correlated to the percentage increase in PDRig in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Liver function improved after cardiac surgery in both groups of patients, which may partly be explained by an increase in CI under mild inotrope support. Differences between the extracorporeal circuits with respect to PDRig appear to be minimal in a group of patients without pre-existing liver injury.