Evaluation of blood components exposed to coated arterial filters in extracorporeal circuits.
BACKGROUND
Biocompatible surfaces play an important role in the inflammatory response during cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP), with the arterial filter contributing a large surface area of the circuit. Different filter-coating materials designed to improve blood-filter biocompatibility are currently used in CPB circuits. This study evaluates eight biocompatible coatings used for arterial filters and their effects on blood components during circulation.


METHODS
Arterial filters were randomly assigned in eight independent heparin-bonded tubing loops and perfused by a single swine (n=8). Arterial blood was routed simultaneously, but separately, into each circuit and circulated for 30 minutes at 37 degrees C. Blood samples were drawn for CBC, ACT, and TAT III measurements at baseline, post-heparinization and post-circulation. At study completion, filters were imaged using multiphoton microscopy.


RESULTS
RBC, platelet, and WBC counts, and TAT III complex were all decreased after 30 minutes of circulation; however, WBC count was the only parameter that showed statistically significant differences between the filters. Circulating WBC reduction ranged from 6% (Carmeda and Trillium) to 41% (Terumo-X-coating) with corresponding microscopic confirmation of increased WBC entrapment.


CONCLUSIONS
All eight filter coatings altered the blood components to varying degrees. Selection of the most effective filter, in conjunction with a heparin-bonded circuit for CPB, may decrease the intraoperative foreign-surface activation of blood cells.
Hussaini
Bader E
BE
Cardiothoracic Division, Department of Surgery, VA Boston Healthcare System, Massachusetts 02132, USA.
Treanor
Patrick R
PR
Healey
Nancy A
NA
Tilahun
Daniel
D
Srey
Rithy
R
Lu
Xiu-Gui
XG
Khuri
Shukri F
SF
Thatte
Hemant S
HS
D000818:Animals; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000737:chemistry*; D005112:Extracorporeal Circulation; D005374:Filtration; D006493:Heparin / Q000737:chemistry*; D008297:Male; D023421:Models, Animal; D013499:Surface Properties; D013552:Swine
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D006493:Heparin