Haemodilution in cardiopulmonary bypass using a gelatine derivative for priming.

The effects of cardiopulmonary bypass haemodilution and a gelatine derivate for priming were evaluated by serial determinations of the acid-base and electrolyte balances, arterial oxygenation, urinary output, postoperative chest x-ray, cardiac rhythm and electrophoresis in 40 patients undergoing open heart surgery. It was noted that the priming solution used provided an excelllent buffer system to stabilize the derangements in acid-base and electrolyte balance without any side effects in oxygenation, urinary output, cardiac function or plasma proteins. The utilisation of haemodilution in cardiopulmonary bypass is discussed.