The influence of pulsatile perfusion on oxygen uptake by the isolated canine hind limb.

The possible advantages of pulsatile over continuous blood flow have intrigued cardiac surgeons for years. This issue may have clinical significance for moderate to long cardiopulmonary bypass procedures. In spite of aggressive investigation, this problem remains controversial. A system permitting perfusion of an isolated canine hind limb with constant flow, Pao2, Paco2, oxygen delivery, temperature, and pHa but variable stroke volume was established. Under stable conditions, oxygen uptake by the limb was constant over a wide range of stroke volumes. Regression equations relating oxygen uptake to stroke volume were calculated and found to have a near zero slope. When the hydrogen ion concentration of the blood perfusing tissue is held constant, the oxygen consumption of that tissue is independent of the pulsatile nature of the perfusing blood.