Hemolysis during pulsatile perfusion: clinical evaluation of a new device

The degree of hemolysis occurring during cardiopulmonary bypass was evaluated in two groups of patients undergoing pulsatile and nonpulsatile perfusion. Results indicate that, with a newly developed method of creating pulsatile flow, both groups of patients compared favorably and had approximately the same degree of hemolysis. Because of its simplicity, low cost, reliability, and limited hemolytic activity, this pulsatile device warrants further clinical evaluation.