Short term survival following perfusion with fluosol-DA for cardiopulmonary bypass

Seven dogs were perfused on cardiopulmonary bypass for one hour using a perfusate which included one liter of Fluosol in order to investigate tissue oxygenation during perfusion as well as possible biochemical and histopathologic effects of Fluosol on various organs. Tissue oxygenation during cardiopulmonary bypass was evaluated by measuring arterial and venous oxygen tensions as well as oxygen content and arterial pH. Biochemical studies were measured pre and post bypass and were followed up to 48 hours following discontinuation of cardiopulmonary bypass. The animals were observed clinically for evidence of abnormal behavior during 30 days of follow-up and were then sacrificed. Biopsies from the heart, lung, liver, spleen, kidney and brain were examined by light and electron microscopy. Excellent tissue oxygenation and normal acid base status was seen uniformly during cardiopulmonary bypass. Clinical status and biochemical parameters remained normal during followup. Histopathologic examination revealed only a marked increase in phagocytic histiocytes in the reticuloendothelial system of liver and spleen with sinusoidal compression but no functional impairment.