Blood Filter Evaluation

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Abstract
Massive blood transfusion and extracorporeal circulation result in bombardment of the small pulmonary arterioles with micro-aggregates which are mainly composed of cellular degradation products, damaged platelets and leukocytes, fibrin strands, portions of cellular membrane and protein precipitates. Such amorphous material can cause patients to die of respiratory insufficiency without underlying chest trauma. Increasing amounts of stored blood are being transfused to patients; as such, extracorporeal circulation has become one of the most useful techniques for surgeons. Unfortunately, these procedures are often accompanied by disturbing post-operative consequences. This is because micro-aggregates invade the capillary network of several organs, especially lungs, kidneys, brain and retina. Blood filtration has recently gained added interest because of widespread efforts to minimize the number of emboli which are either transfused or reinfused to the patient through the blood return line.