Alterations in the Plasma Proteins and Lipids of Human and Canine Blood in Bubble and Disc Oxygenators

Abstract

Reports published recently have indicated that canine plasma and whole blood, when recirculated in disc and bubble oxygenators, show denaturation of plasma proteins and also changes in the free fat content of the circulating medium. Our results confirm the denaturation of plasma proteins, but not of lipoprotein. Those changes, which do occur in the plasma proteins, are considered insignificant from the point of view of cardiopulmonary bypass for the surgical correction of intracardiac lesions. We have not been able to confirm the release of free fat globules reported in earlier studies. A possible explanation for their presence has been postulated. Heparin may well play an important role in the aetiology of the post-perfusion syndrome by activating the lipoprotein lipases in vivo.