BIOCOMPATIBILITY OF LEUKOCYTE REMOVAL FILTERS DURING LEUKOCYTE FILTRATION OF CARDIOPULMONARY BYPASS PERFUSATE

To evaluate the biocompatibility and the efficacy of leukocyte removal filters, we performed a prospective study by using the cardiopulmonar y bypass perfusate taken from the heart-lung machine for 20 patients w ho underwent cardiac surgery and were randomly divided into four group s according to the filters used. A leukocyte removal filter was instal led in the transfusion line while the perfusate was transfused to the patients. No increases of C3a, C5a, elastase, and thromboxane were fou nd during leukocyte filtration by polyester filters (Optima, Sepacell R500, and Pall RC100). Activation of the complement cascade was observ ed during filtration by the cellulose acetate filter (Cellselect) alth ough the efficacy of the Cellselect filter was evidently higher than t hat of the polyester filter. These results imply that polyester leukoc yte filters are superior to cellulose acetate filters in terms of bioc ompatibility but have a reduced efficacy. An optimal leukocyte filter providing both high efficacy and biocompatibility has yet to be develo ped.