Effects of biocompatible extracorporeal bypass circuit coating Bioline in cardiac surgery patients

Abstract

Biocompatibility of heparin-based coating for extracorporeal circuits, the Bioline, was evaluated in cardiac surgery setting. Thirty six CABG pts, aged from 30 to 69 yrs, were randomly perfused with a circuit containing Bioline-coated Quadrox oxygenator (Bioline, n=18) or with a similar non-coated circuit (control, n=18). Leukocyte and platelet counts, levels of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-6 and fibrinogen were assessed in arterial blood before, during and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Oxygenation and ventilation indices before and after surgery, post-operative chest tube drainage and transfusion volume as well as the duration of assisted ventilation were also measured. A platelet count and fibrinogen dropped less in the Bioline group significantly compared with that in control at the end of CPB (p<0,05) and after protamine administration (p<0,05). A leukocyte count and an interleukin-6 level increased more in controls after CPB (p<0,05) as well as oxygenation and ventilation indices, bleeding volume and intubation time (all p<0,05). Our results suggest surface heparinization with Bioline coating limited to the oxygenator ameliorates the inflammatory response, preserves fibrinogen and platelets, reduces blood loss postoperatively and improves lung function during CPB.