An experimental study of cross-circulation for cardiopulmonary bypass in dogs.

Cardiopulmonary bypass using cross-circulation was evaluated in dogs. In eight experiments a greyhound (the donor) was used to perfuse a small mongrel dog (the recipient). Recipients averaged 40 per cent of the donor's weight. Total cardiopulmonary bypass was successfully established in all eight experiments and maintained for 60 to 90 minutes. Haemodynamic values (mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, cardiac output) and arterial blood gas tensions in the recipient and donor dogs remained at near-baseline levels for the duration of cardiopulmonary bypass. Seven of the eight recipient dogs were successfully weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass at the end of the procedure.