Perfusion treatment algorithm: methods of improving the quality of perfusion

Hunter B Holcomb1, Alfred H Stammers, Chen Gao

  • 1Division of Clinical Perfusion Education, School of Allied Health Professions, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA. cardiomedic@aol.com

Insights

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) adverse effects can be mitigated by optimizing perfusion variables and using the Mortality Assessment Perfusion Score (MAPS) for risk stratification. This approach improves patient outcomes in cardiac surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Perfusion Science
  • Medical Technology Assessment

Background:

  • Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with negative patient outcomes due to multifactorial causes related to its conduct and extracorporeal flow.
  • A shift away from CPB in heart disease treatment necessitates strategies to mitigate its adverse effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a bedside patient risk assessment tool for creating tailored perfusion care plans.
  • To identify controllable CPB variables that positively influence patient outcomes and reduce morbidity.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of randomized, peer-reviewed human studies to identify optimal perfusion variables (e.g., hematocrit, MAP, temperature, lactate, COP, pulsatile flow, acid-base balance, oxygenation, coated circuits).
  • Development of the Mortality Assessment Perfusion Score (MAPS) using the Society of Thoracic Surgeon database (61 variables) for bedside risk stratification.
  • Utilizing MAPS to predict patient morbidity and mortality based on historical data.

Main Results:

  • Identification of key controllable perfusion variables positively correlated with improved patient outcomes.
  • Successful development and validation of the MAPS tool for bedside patient risk assessment.
  • Demonstration of MAPS's predictive capability for patient morbidity and mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Optimizing CPB conduct and implementing quantitative risk stratification via MAPS can significantly improve patient outcomes.
  • A patient treatment algorithm incorporating risk assessment and perfusion variable management is crucial for enhancing surgical results.