[Experimental study of extra-corporeal circulation with membrane oxygenators: effects on the lung structures of dogs...

Six dogs and 5 monkeys underwent extra-corporeal circulations with membrane oxygenators for variable time periods (from 4 to 57 hours). The development and evolution of the lesions, which were similar in the two animal species, were controlled by electron microscopic examination of lung samples. From the 2nd h, abnormalities of the capillary endothelium were observed; but a 6 h, all the inner lung structures were reached and the lesions grew worse with time. Thus, the intrinsic toxicity of membrane oxygenators on lung structures emphasizes that this method should be used with utmost precaution in man.