Fluid Uptake by Patients During Cardiopulmonary Bypass: An Oxygenator Dependent Phenomenon

A significant difference in the amount of crystalloid solution necessary to maintain the patient with adequate perfusion was first noted between two bubble oxygenators being used clinically for the past two years at the Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri. This clinical study was established to determine the degree of difference of positive fluid balance to the patient as a result of cardiopulmonary bypass. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that positive fluid balance to the patient following cardiopulmonary bypass is a function of the type of oxygenator used, provided all other variables remain equal in standard, routine practice.