Platelet - Leukocyte Emboli

FALL/1973 R. L. Swank R. S. Connell M. C. Webb Microemboli composed of aggregates of platelets and leukocytes can become a serious threat to the microvasculature. These aggregates develop in blood --stored for future transfusion, and during hemorrhagic and traumatic shock. During the use of the extracorporeal circulation, these causal factors combine together with the trauma of suction, pumping and oxygenation of the blood to produce wide-spread microembolism of the microvasculature resulting in pathophysiological alterations of the lungs, brain, kidneys, heart and liver, as well as other organs. This often leads to permanent damage and sometimes to death. It is important, therefore, that this phenomenon be examined, and that methods available to remove ~he microemboli or to prevent their access to the body be evaluated.