[Efficacy of modified ultrafiltration in coronary artery bypass grafting]

We evaluated the efficacy of modified ultrafiltration (MUF) in coronary artery bypass grafting. Twenty patients were divide into two groups consisting of a control group (n = 11) and a MUF group (n = 9). MUF was carried out for fifteen minutes immediately after the completion of cardiopulmonary bypass. The blood flow through the ultrafilter was 300 ml/min and about 1,200 ml of water was removed. The hematocrit elevated significantly from 25% to 30% in the MUF group (p < 0.01). Postoperative blood loss in the first 24 hours in the MUF group was significantly less than that in the control group (8 +/- 2 ml/kg vs 12 +/- 4 ml/kg, p < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in the percentage of the increase in body weight after the operation, inflammatory reaction and pulmonary function (A-a DO2, PaO2/FIO2 and duration of intubation) between two groups. In conclusion, MUF is useful to hemoconcentrate and reduce postoperative blood loss in coronary artery bypass grafting.