[The present status and problems in artificial heart and lung apparatus and its clinical use]

The present status and problems in the usage of pump oxygenator were analysed through the answer obtained by questionaires which were sent to the 32 of major institution throughout our country. The total number of artificial heart and lung apparatus in use at 32 institutions were 5694, 5472 of roller pump and 222 of pulsatile pump, which showed predominantly in roller tyle. As for the artificial lung, 3151 were bubble oxygenator and 2172 were membrane type, membrane type appeared to be more popular. Only 4 institutions were satisfied with the use of present apparatus, rest of them were not satisfied and preclaimed certain demand of improvement of instrument, especially in 12 institution, compactrization of instruments were advised. The safety of the extracorporeal circulation with the use of present apparatus were accepted by 10 institution, however, complications such as hemolysis and organ failures like renal insufficiency were listed by 21 institutions. It appears to be concluded that much effort to improve the present pump oxygenator regarding to compactirization, safeness and automatic control of the machine are mandatory.