Surface Modified Cardiopulmonary Bypass Circuits: Modifying the Inflammatory Response

Abstract

As a consequence of an aging population demographic, now more than ever, researchers in cardiac surgery must focus on means to improve the methods and technologies related to cardiopulmonary bypass. This review presents a classification of the currently available options for biomaterial modification for cardiopulmonary bypass circuits. Hypotheses are given relating the mechanism of action by which some of these surfaces afford improved biocompatibility. Finally, nonpharmacologic biomaterial-independent strategies for minimizing the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass, such as the use of hemofiltration and leukocyte filtration, and the minimization of the use of cardiotomy suction blood are outlined.