Tubing spallation in extracorporeal circuits. An in vitro study using an electronic particle counter

The roller pump is the most common pumping device used in extracorporeal circulation (ECC). The interaction between the roller and tubing causes tubing spallation. Spallation has been associated with complications in ECC. Previous spallation studies present mixed results, including a decrease in the number of circulating particles. The objective of this work is to perform an in vitro study of tubing spallation which elucidates the causes of the particle sequestration, and the effect of tubing material, blood flow rate and duration of the procedure upon spallation. A sampling method minimizing background counts was devised. Silicone and PVC tubing were tested under normal and tight occlusion pressure at typical cardiopulmonary bypass and hemodialysis flow rates, for circulating times up to 4 h. Occlusion pressure and flow rate highly influenced the amount of spallation produced. Particle sequestration was noted and aggregation of the plastic particles was demonstrated. We conclude that, at least in vitro, aggregation causes the decrease in the particle counts and the misleading results obtained in most spallation studies using a Coulter counter.