title: A systematic review of biocompatible cardiopulmonary bypass circuits and clinical outcome.
abstract: This systematic review and meta-analysis explores the clinical efficacy of biocompatible surfaces for cardiopulmonary bypass in adults. Thirty-six randomized controlled trials were retrieved for a total of 4360 patients. Patients treated with biocompatible circuits had a lower rate of packed red cells transfusions and atrial fibrillation, and shorter durations of stay in the intensive care unit. When the analysis was limited to high-quality studies, only a reduction in atrial fibrillation rate and a shorter stay in the intensive care unit remained significantly associated with the use of biocompatible surfaces. Using biocompatible surfaces without other measures to contain blood activation results in a limited clinical benefit.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic-Vascular Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS Policlinico S. Donato, Milan, Italy. cardioanestesia@virgilio.it
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ranucci
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Balduini
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ditta
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Boncilli
authors.forename: Simonetta
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Brozzi