Effect of PGI 2 Infusion During Long Term Extracorporeal Circulation with Membrane Lung in Sheep

Abstract

PGI₂ plus very low dose of heparin was infused in 6 lambs connected for long term extracorporeal circulation with a membrane lung. Hemodynamic and hemostasis parameters were compared to those of a control group treated only with standard doses of heparin.

PGI₂ efficacy in inhibiting platelet aggregation and platelet fall was confirmed. A small platelet release, measured as antiheparin activity, was observed during all the by-pass, but did not influence platelet capacity of recovering when PGI₂ effect dissolved.

Heparin needed resulted less than a quarter of the quantity used for the control group.

In our experimental conditions the hemodynamic changes were mainly limited to a decrease in diastolic blood pressure.