Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Apr 2011
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyDirect observation of the human microcirculation during cardiopulmonary bypass: effects of pulsatile perfusion.
Possible benefits of pulsatile perfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass often are attributed to enhanced microvascular flow. However, there is no evidence to support this in humans. Therefore, the authors assessed whether pulsatile perfusion alters human microvascular flow. ⋯ Pulsatile perfusion does not alter human microvascular perfusion using standard equipment in routine cardiac surgery. Changes in pulse pressure or energy-equivalent pressure bear no obvious relationship with microcirculatory parameters.