The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Cardiopulmonary bypass temperature, hematocrit, and cerebral oxygen delivery in humans.
The neurologic effects of warm heart operations is a subject of popular interest. The purpose of this study was to examine the adequacy of cerebral oxygenation during normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass and better define the relationship between hematocrit, temperature, and brain oxygen delivery. ⋯ From the standpoint of global cerebral perfusion and oxygenation, our data support the practice of "warm" heart operations. It clarifies the marked influence of hematocrit on cerebral blood flow and delineates the interaction of temperature and hematocrit on cerebral oxygen delivery. It also suggests that additional investigation to better define "temperature-appropriate" hemodilution during cardiopulmonary bypass is indicated.