Automatic regulation of the cardiopulmonary bypass

Abstract

We devised a new method and system for the automatic regulation of cardiopulmonary bypass. The system is planned so that it is regulated according to the alteration of venous pressure which is a reflection of venous return in total cardiopulmonary bypass. After many experimental studies, we have used this system in four clinical cases of cardiac surgery. The system functioned sufficiently well in the clinical cases. Under the control of this system, the central venous pressure was kept at a preset level and changed cyclically in the same manner as the respiratory change through the entire cardiopulmonary bypass period. A constant and adequate venous return through the entire cardiopulmonary bypass period was assumed to be the most important factor for the venous return-triggered pump oxygenator.