Does Roller Pump-Induced Pulsatile CPB Perfusion Affect Microvascular Fluid Shifts and Tissue Perfusion?

BACKGROUND

Pulsatile versus nonpulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) perfusion remains debated. Beneficial effects on tissue perfusion, inflammation, and microvascular fluid exchange have been linked to pulsatile perfusion by some investigators and denied by others. This study evaluated fluid extravasation and tissue perfusion during nonpulsatile or pulsatile roller pump-induced CPB perfusion.

METHODS

Fourteen pigs underwent roller pump-induced pulsatile (n = 7) or nonpulsatile CPB perfusion (n = 7) for 90 minutes. Fluid input/losses, colloid osmotic pressures (plasma/interstitium), hematocrit, serum electrolytes, serum proteins, tissue perfusion, and total tissue water content were measured, and plasma volume and fluid extravasation were calculated.

RESULTS

Fluid additions/losses, plasma volume, and fluid extravasation changed similarly in both groups during CPB with no between-group differences. Neither was between-group differences observed for tissue perfusion and total tissue water content, with one exception. Total tissue water content of the right (3.92 ± 0.26 versus 4.32 ± 0.28 g/g dry weight) and left ventricle (4.02 ± 0.25 versus 4.33 ± 0.24 g/g dry weight) was lowered in the pulsatile group.

CONCLUSIONS

No important differences were found between pulsatile and nonpulsatile CPB perfusion for microvascular fluid balance and tissue perfusion.