The effects of pulsatile pumping on tissue perfusion and renal function during deep hypothermic low flow perfusion

The effects of pulsatile pumping on tissue perfusion and renal function during deep hypothermic low flow perfusion were compared with non-pulsatile pumping. Twelve dogs were classified into 2 groups by the perfusion technique used. Animals were core cooled to 20 degrees C esophageal temperature with 80 ml/kg/min perfusion rate and maintained at the level for 2 hours with low flow perfusion (LFP) (30 ml/kg/min), then rewarmed to 35 degrees C with 80 ml/kg/min flow rate. As compared with the non-pulsatile group, pulsatile group demonstrated greater urine output during rewarming (p less than 0.05) and greater lymph flow during core cooling (p less than 0.05). The non-pulsatile group showed higher lymph/plasma protein concentration ratio (Lc/Pc) during LFP and rewarming (p less than 0.05), and greater plasma protein clearance during rewarming (p less than 0.05), and much higher increase of interstitial fluid pressure. The lesser water retention during bypass was also noted in the pulsatile group (28.6 +/- 27.6 ml/kg vs 85.4 +/- 52.1 ml/kg, p less than 0.05). These findings have suggested that the pulsatile perfusion may be useful for the infant cardiopulmonary bypass reducing tissue edema and preserving better renal function.