Comparison of gaseous microemboli counts in arterial, simultaneous and venous heat exchange with a hollow fiber membrane oxygenator.

Potential sources of gaseous microemboli during cardiopulmonary bypass are varied. However, it is known that membrane oxygenators generate fewer gaseous microemboli than bubble oxygenators and that bubblers cannot utilize arterial heat exchange without generating significant gaseous microemboli during rewarming. A membrane oxygenator utilizing simultaneous gas and heat exchange raises the concern that concurrent gas and heat exchange would result in a higher production of gaseous microemboli compared to conventional venous heat exchange devices. This in vitro study compared venous, simultaneous, arterial and control (venous) heat exchanger gaseous microemboli counts during rewarming. No significant difference was found between the four heat exchangers when comparing inlet and outlet gaseous microemboli counts. This in vitro study suggests that there is no difference in gaseous microemboli generation when varying the position of the heat exchanger in the extracorporeal circuit incorporating a microporous membrane oxygenator.