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Evaluation of platelet damage in extracorporeal circuits using a visual platelet morphology method
C J Voorhees1, R W Grover, M E Voorhees
1Cobe Laboratories, Inc., Arvada, Colorado 80004.
ASAIO Transactions
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Platelet damage in extracorporeal circuits can be quantitatively evaluated using a new scoring method. Membrane oxygenators cause less platelet damage than direct gas contact types, highlighting device design impacts.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Hematology
Background:
- Extracorporeal circuits can cause platelet damage due to nonphysiologic conditions like foreign surfaces and shear stress.
- Assessing this platelet damage is crucial for patient safety during procedures like cardiopulmonary bypass.
Purpose of the Study:
- To modify a platelet activation scoring method for evaluating platelet damage in extracorporeal circuits.
- To quantitatively assess and compare platelet damage induced by different blood oxygenator devices.
Main Methods:
- A modified scoring method using phase microscopy was employed to assess platelet damage.
- Commercially available blood oxygenators were tested using a modified AAMI/ASAIO in vitro blood trauma protocol.
Main Results:
- Direct gas contact oxygenators resulted in significant platelet depletion and damage.
- Membrane oxygenators demonstrated lower platelet depletion and damage compared to direct gas contact types.
- Variations in platelet damage were noted among different membrane oxygenator designs, indicating material and hemodynamic influences.
Conclusions:
- The developed scoring method provides a quantitative evaluation of extracorporeal device-induced platelet damage.
- Device design, including materials and hemodynamics, significantly impacts platelet trauma.
- The method serves as a sensitive indicator for lethal and sublethal platelet trauma in extracorporeal circuits.