Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Cardiopulmonary Bypass in a Mouse Model: A Novel Approach
Published on: September 22, 2017
Effect of cardiopulmonary bypass on hand and forearm blood flow
A L Pauca1, N D Kon, A R Cordell
1Department of Anesthesia, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1009, USA.
We have assessed the relationship between the aorto-radial pressure difference at the conclusion of cardiopulmonary bypass and blood flow to the hand. Hand blood flow was estimated from the difference between forearm blood flow measured without and with exclusion of the hand circulation. On the same hand, the skin temperature on the palm and on the middle finger was recorded, with the amplitude of the finger pulse oximeter trace. The aorto-radial pressure difference, after cardiopulmonary bypass, correlated with hand blood flow (r = 0.59, P = 0.002). There was a significant (P < 0.0001) palm-finger temperature gradient before and after cardiopulmonary bypass. In conclusion, while the mean aorto-radial pressure difference after bypass results from increased hand blood flow, the finger is not a reliable site to assess the state of the systemic circulation, before or after cardiopulmonary bypass.
We have assessed the relationship between the aorto-radial pressure difference at the conclusion of cardiopulmonary bypass and blood flow to the hand. Hand blood flow was estimated from the difference between forearm blood flow measured without and with exclusion of the hand circulation. On the same hand, the skin temperature on the palm and on the middle finger was recorded, with the amplitude of the finger pulse oximeter trace. The aorto-radial pressure difference, after cardiopulmonary bypass, correlated with hand blood flow (r = 0.59, P = 0.002). There was a significant (P < 0.0001) palm-finger temperature gradient before and after cardiopulmonary bypass. In conclusion, while the mean aorto-radial pressure difference after bypass results from increased hand blood flow, the finger is not a reliable site to assess the state of the systemic circulation, before or after cardiopulmonary bypass.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiac Output I:Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output (CO) refers to the total amount of blood ejected by one of the ventricles in liters per minute (L/min). In a resting adult, CO ranges from 5 to 6 L/min, adjusting according to the body's metabolic requirements.
Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output adapts to metabolic demands during stress, physical activity, or illness. The autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate via the sinoatrial node. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart rate...
Cardiac Output II: Effect of Stroke Volume on Cardiac Output
Preload
Preload refers to the initial elongation of the cardiac myocytes before contraction and is related to the volume of blood filling the heart at the end of diastole, or end-diastolic volume. The...
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management

