Effect of subzero-balanced ultrafiltration on postoperative outcome of patients after cardiopulmonary bypass

To evaluate the effect of a new ultrafiltration technique - subzero-balanced ultrafiltration technique - on early postoperative outcomes of adult patients undergoing cardiac operations with cardiopulmonary bypass.

A total of 120 patients who required cardiopulmonary bypass for cardiac surgery were randomized into two groups, 60 in each group. Patients in the treatment group received subzero-balanced ultrafiltration during cardiopulmonary bypass, while patients in the control group received routine cardiopulmonary bypass. Postoperative outcomes, including hospital mortality and morbidity of the two groups, were analyzed.

Hospital mortality was 0% (0 of 60) in the treatment group versus 1.8% (1 of 60) in the control group (P=1.000). Total hospital complications was lower in the treated patients (11 of 60 [18.3%] versus 22 of 60 [36.7%], P=0.025). Duration of intubation time was shorter and transfusion volume within 24 hours postoperatively was less in patients having received subzero-balanced ultrafiltration during cardiopulmonary bypass (14.35 + or - 1.66 versus 18.64 + or - 1.57 h, P=0.036 and 1.54 + or - 1.56 versus 3.64 + or - 2.67 U/patient, P=0.032). Length of stay on the intensive care unit, duration of hospital stay, need for infusion of inotropic agent and drainage volumes within 24 h postoperatively between the two groups were comparable.

Subzero-balanced ultrafiltration during cardiopulmonary bypass can effectively decrease the patients' hospital morbidity and the volume of blood transfusion: it also may promote early postoperative recovery of patients. Routine application of subzero-balanced ultrafiltration during adult cardiac operations should not be necessary, but the technique should be compared to other techniques, e.g. MUF, in further studies.