A survey of cardiopulmonary bypass perfusion practices in Australia in 1992

Twenty-four cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) perfusion units around Australia were surveyed to determine the characteristics of CPB perfusion as practised in Australia in 1992. Twenty completed survey forms were received. Findings were compared with those of a similar study performed by one of the authors for the year 1986. The field of CPB perfusion continues to expand both in terms of numbers of cases and increasing technological complexity. The major technological changes evident are the now clear dominance of membrane over bubble oxygenators and the proliferation of inline SvO2 monitoring devices. The greatest change in practice has been to the virtually universal use of cardioplegia. There remains considerable variation in the composition of the cardioplegia solutions used in the responding units. A range of minimum perfusion pressures for CPB is noted, whereas most units employ similar minimum perfusion flows. Methods of central nervous system and renal protection are mainly hypothermia and diuretics, respectively, with a scattering of other techniques. Staffing of CPB perfusion units is essentially unchanged since 1986 and at least five units had no medical perfusionist appointed in 1992.