Membrane vs bubble oxygenators: a prospective study of 52 patients.

Controversy continues about the oxygenator preferable for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This prospective study was undertaken in 52 patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery. Oxygenators were alternated each case between model Q-100, Bentley Laboratories Inc, Irvine, Calif, and Travenol Membrane Oxygenator (TMO), Travenol Laboratories Inc, Deerfield, Ill. The Q-100 group required higher CPB O2 flows, but PO2 levels during CPB were similar for both groups. Heparin sodium dosage and activated clotting, bleeding, prothrombin, and partial thromboplastin times were identical in both groups. Blood loss and platelet reduction after CPB were also similar. Postoperative complications in the Q-100 group included one myocardial infarction, and one neurological problem. The TMO group had no myocardial infarction and one neurological problem. The membrane oxygenator took nine minutes longer to set up and was $63 more expensive to purchase. Blood trauma during CPB was less with the membrane oxygenator (lower plasma hemoglobin level), but we conclude that both oxygenators performing adequately during clinical use in open heart surgery.