Related Experiment Videos
Complement activation with bubble and membrane oxygenators in aortocoronary bypass grafting
V Videm1, E Fosse, T E Mollnes
1Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Ullevaal Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|September 1, 1990
Summary
This study compared bubble and membrane oxygenators during coronary bypass surgery. Membrane oxygenators caused significantly higher C3 activation, challenging the assumption of lower complement activation with membrane technology.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Immunology
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is essential for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
- The type of oxygenator used during CPB may influence the inflammatory response.
- Bubble and membrane oxygenators differ in design and blood-contacting surface area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the complement activation induced by bubble versus membrane oxygenators during CABG.
- To investigate plasma concentrations of C3 activation products and terminal complement complex.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-three patients undergoing CABG were randomized to CPB using either bubble (Cobe, Polystan) or membrane (SciMed) oxygenators.
- Plasma levels of C3 activation products and terminal complement complex were quantified using enzyme immunoassays.
- Measurements were taken at baseline and throughout the CPB procedure.
Main Results:
- Both C3 activation products and terminal complement complex increased during CPB.
- The increase in C3 activation products was significantly higher with the membrane oxygenator (SciMed) compared to bubble oxygenators (p < 0.01).
- No significant differences were observed in terminal complement complex concentrations between oxygenator types.
Conclusions:
- Membrane oxygenators, contrary to common assumptions, induced greater C3 activation during CPB for CABG.
- Differences in flow dynamics and surface area may explain the heightened C3 activation with membrane oxygenators.
- The study questions the general belief that membrane oxygenators consistently lead to reduced complement activation.