Variations in the application of various perfusion technologies in Great Britain and Ireland--a national survey

In an attempt to reduce the negative sequelae of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), a variety of new technologies have been created. This study investigates variations in the application of these technologies throughout Great Britain and Ireland (GB & I). All perfusion departments within GB & I were surveyed about equipment and technologies used in CPB. Eighty-five percent of units use a standard arterial line filter in all cases. Forty percent of units occasionally use leukocyte-depleting filters in various sites within the circuit. Sixteen percent always use some element of heparin-bonded circuit, but 62% never use them. Twenty-five percent use solely rotary pumps, 18% use solely centrifugal pumps, and 56% use both. Finally, 20% are now using minimal extracorporeal circulation in certain clinical scenarios. These decisions are most frequently affected by clinician preference and cost. This survey has highlighted significant variation in the utilization of various technologies used in CPB. While some variation between centers is to be expected, as innovative technologies are adopted at varying rates, surveys such as this are useful for alerting clinicians to gaps between evidence-based knowledge and clinical practice.