[Clinical use of membrane oxygenators for extended extracroporal circulation]

Extended perfusion with extracorporal circulation membrane oxygenators of the Lande-Edwards type was performed in 43 patients. Two groups of patients were studied in detail: 1. Patients undergoing aortic valve replacement primarily because of calcified aortic defects (n equals 20; average perfusion time 96 min.1 2. Young children in whom the operation of Mustard was mainly performed (n equals 10; average perfusion time 92 min.) There were no deaths or complications due to the use of the membrane oxygenator. Particular emphasis is laid on the careful preparation of the apparatus. Although venous drainage is only by gravity, high flow perfusion was possible in all age groups. Haemodynamics and metabolism were good even after 1 1/2 hours perfusion. Haemodialysis was slight.