Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
09:54
A Recovery Cardiopulmonary Bypass Model Without Transfusion or Inotropic Agents in Rats
Published on: March 23, 2018
Can minimized cardiopulmonary bypass systems be safer?
Y M Ganushchak1, E E Ševerdija, A P Simons
1Dept. of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht - CARIM, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands. y.ganushchak@mumc.nl
Perfusion
|February 17, 2012
Summary
Minimized cardiopulmonary bypass (mCPB) systems may generate more gaseous emboli than conventional systems. Adding volume buffer capacity to the venous line, like the
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Minimized cardiopulmonary bypass (mCPB) systems offer advantages but can experience venous line pressure fluctuations.
- Limited venous return in mCPB circuits can lead to gaseous emboli generation.
- Conventional closed cardiopulmonary bypass (cCPB) systems have different embolic profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of sub-atmospheric pressures and volume buffer capacity on gaseous emboli in mCPB circuits.
- To compare gaseous emboli generation between mCPB and cCPB systems.
- To evaluate the efficacy of the 'Better Bladder' (BB) device in reducing emboli.
Main Methods:
- Clinical evaluation of two mCPB systems (MEC, ECC.O) and one cCPB system.
- In vitro mock circulation study using the 'Better Bladder' (BB) to simulate reduced venous return.
- Measurement of venous line pressure and gaseous embolic activity.
Main Results:
- Conventional CPB showed the lowest arterial gaseous emboli activity compared to mCPB systems.
- The 'Better Bladder' (BB) reduced venous line pressure fluctuations by approximately 30%.
- The 'Better Bladder' (BB) decreased gaseous emboli by up to 85% in vitro.
Conclusions:
- Sub-atmospheric venous line pressure fluctuations correlate with gaseous emboli formation during mCPB.
- Incorporating volume buffer capacity, such as the 'Better Bladder', can mitigate pressure swings.
- Volume buffering enhances mCPB safety by reducing microemboli formation.
