Effects of Pulsatile Flow on Phosphorylcholine Coated Oxygenator and Arterial Filter

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to compare the effects of pulsatile/nonpulsatile flow on phosphorylcholine coated (PC) oxygenator fibers, arterial filters by using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Methods: Eleven patients were randomly divided into two groups, as; nonpulsatile and pulsatile flow groups (NP and P groups) by using PC oxygenators. The oxygenator fiber samples were examined under SEM to compare the thickness of absorbed blood proteins and amount of blood cells on the surface of oxygenators. Arterial filters were also analysed by SEM regarding the captured blood elements or particles. Results: The mean fiber thickness from the axial images were calculated as 46.9 m and 47.6 m at group P and NP respectively which is statistically insignificant. Evaluation of the blood samples that were extracted from the arterial filter bring out higher amount of fibrin network and blood cells on fibers at group NP. Conclusion: We concluded that there is lesser amount of blood components on the fibers of arterial filter at pulsatile flow. Coating of oxygenators is beneficial in case of surface biocompatibility and pulsatile perfusion develops lower amount of blood elements on arterial filter.