A circuit to perform a combined ultrafiltration procedure in pediatric open heart surgery

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) induces an increased capillary permeability an d tissues water content due to hemodilution and the inflammatory response, resulting in organ dysfunction. The reduction of the water accumulation and inflammatory response can be achieved by employing ultrafiltration during CPB. Recently we developed a simple CPB circuit for ultrafiltration using t he aortic venting tube as an inlet line. Such a technique offers the advant ages of performing a combined ultrafiltration procedure and eliminating the danger of air embolism. We employed this circuit in 12 consecutive pediatr ic patients undergoing open heart surgery. (Ann Thorac Surg 2000;70:990-2) (C) 2000 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.