EXTRACORPOREAL-CIRCULATION WITH AUTOGENOUS OXYGENATION - HEMODYNAMIC AND GASOMETRIC PARAMETERS

Ten experimental perfusions with autogenous oxygenation were performed in mongrel dogs to evaluate the efficacy of the procedure in maintain ing normal hemodynamic conditions and adequate blood gases for 1 h. Bl ood was drained from the right and left atria and pumped to the pulmon ary artery and aorta, respectively. Two closed circuits containing com pliant chambers and roller pumps were utilized. Artificial ventilation with an Fio(2), of 50% were used in 5 animals and with an Fio(2) leve l of 30% in the other 5. EKG, cardiac output, aortic, pulmonary artery , and left atrium pressures were registered. Pulmonary tissue was biop sied after perfusion. The heart was electrically fibrillated after per fusion was established and defibrillated at the end of the bypass. The procedure was able to maintain blood gases and pulmonary, aortic, and left atrial pressures within normal ranges during the perfusion. The mobility of the heart and the access to all coronary arteries was exce llent. Clinical central nervous system evaluation, EKG tracings, and p ulmonary histological exams showed no adverse effects of perfusion. We conclude that the technique employed may present a suitable proceedin g for extracorporeal circulation in closed heart surgeries, and its cl inical application should be evaluated as a safe and economical altern ative.