John Y. Templeton

Current status of pump oxygenators in cardiac surgery and persistent problems in their use

Summary We have attempted to outline, and critically discuss, the varieties of pumpoxygenator systems which are currently in existence. We have placed more emphasis on those which are most widely used or considered by us to be the safest to employ in surgical operations. We believe that the membrane-type oxygenator, with its completely closed system, holds great promise for the future. Certain basic problems in the use of these extracorporeal blood circuits have been solved. Hemolysis, embolic phenomena and infection fall into this category. The problem of postoperative pulmonary edema is lessening. The safety of elective cardiac arrest is being widely studied. The relation of metabolic acidosis to low perfusion rates, we believe, has been adequately documented. The many new surgical technical problems which have arisen with the use of cardio-pulmonary bypass are being studied in many centers and much progress should be made in the next few years in this field. Finally, the cost of pump-oxygenators, in money, personnel and blood should see a considerable decline.