Effect of pulsatile perfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass in terms of radial artery sphygmogram

ObjectiveTo investigate a quantitative method for using radial artery pulse waveforms to assess the effect of pulsatile flow during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).MethodsA total of 34 adults with heart disease who underwent open-heart surgery between April 2010 and January 2011 were randomized into a pulsatile perfusion group (n=17) and a non-pulsatile perfusion group (n=17). Radial arterial pulse waveforms of pulsatile and non-pulsatile perfusion patients were observed and compared before and during CPB.ResultsNo pulse waveform could be detected at patients' radial artery in both groups when the aorta was cross-clamped. Pulse waveforms could be detected at pulsatile perfusion patients' radial artery, but could not be detected at non-pulsatile perfusion patients' radial artery during CPB. Additionally, patients' pulse waveforms during pulsatile perfusion were lower than those before the operation.ConclusionOur findings indicate that radial artery sphygmogram can be used as a valid indicator to evaluate the effectiveness of pulsatile perfusion during CPB.