Cardiopulmonary bypass technique in sheep

Abstract

During the past two years at the University of Modena, 72 sheep underwent cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for various open-heart surgical procedures. An effective protocol for anaesthesia and CPB was developed in these animals. Routine barbiturate induction and maintenance anaesthesia with isofluorane and a pressure-regulated ventilator have minimized anaesthetic problems. The type of priming fluid used was the major factor in overcoming the problems associated with haemodilution effects, clotting insufficiency and postperfusion lung syndrome. Pump flows of 60ml.kg ^-1 bodyweight.min^-1 seem to give adequate circulatory support during heart-lung bypass. A technical report and the pharmacological support protocols used successfully in 66 of the 72 animals during a two-year period are presented.