[Comparative studies on pulsatile and continuous flow during extracorporeal circulation. Effects on liver function and endocrine pancreas secretion].

The effects of pulsatile and nonpulsatile flow pattern on pancreas and liver blood flow were studied in nine dogs on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Furthermore, plasma levels of glucose, insulin, glucagon, growth hormone, and cholinesterase were compared in 20 patients subjected to open heart surgery with either pulsatile or nonpulsatile perfusion. Impairment of liver and pancreas function was significantly greater at the end of CPB and 48 h afterwards with nonpulsatile flow as compared with the pulsatile flow pattern. A decrease of intestinal blood flow that was demonstrated in dogs subjected to nonpulsatile perfusion could at least in part be responsible for the difference in postoperative organ function observed in patients after CPB.