Circulatory assistance by way of long-term cardiopulmonary bypass

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Abstract
From 1978 to 1986, 46 patients underwent prolonged circulatory support of 5-39 hours duration, at the Centre Chirurgical Marie Lannelongue. Indication for circulatory support was decided in the immediate postoperative stage, or later in patients with major, intractable heart failure, not responsive to standard resuscitative treatment. Patient details and equipment used are described, together with the details of monitoring. Outcome was favourable in 20 to 35% of cases, depending on the severity of the underlying cardiac pathology. Circulatory support by way of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) proved a readily feasible and reliable procedure. The method is an effective resuscitative technique, applicable in cases of reversible underlying pathology. In extreme cases, it may constitute an intermediate step before proceeding to cardiac transplantation or total circulatory support using a mechanical device such as an artificial heart.