Effects of prostacyclin during cardiopulmonary bypass in man.

Abstract

Effects of prostacyclin infusion were studied in adult patients operated on for acquired heart disease during the period November 1979-June 1980. In group A. 10 patients received prostacyclin 50 ng × kg b.w.−1 x min−1 for the first 30 min of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Twelve patients served as controls. In group B, 14 patients received prostacyclin 100 ng × kg b.w.−1 x min−1 throughout CPB apart from the last 5-20 min. Nine patients served as controls. CPB was by roller pump and bubble oxygenator primed with a crystalloid solution. Hypothermia to 25-28°C was induced. All patients were given heparin 3 mg/kg b.w. before cannulation + 50-75 mg added to the pump prime.There were 3 deaths in the control groups and 1 death in the prostacyclin groups. One control and 2 prostacyclin patients were re-operated on for bleeding. There was no difference between control and prostacyclin patients in regard to intra- or postoperative bleeding. One prostacyclin patient operated on for calcific aortic stenosis suffered ...