Thrombocytopenia in extracorporeal circulation (ECC). II: Bubble oxygenator versus artificial kidney.

In summary, in contrast to a blood-membrane interphase system (artificial kidney), the use of a blood-gas interphase system (bubble oxygenator), even at a low flow rate of 400 ml/min, leads to severe changes in platelet function and number, to a temporary delay in fibrin formation and to a prolonged bleeding time. A definite bleeding tendency expresses the disturbance in hemostatic balance, as predominantly effected by the changes in platelet function. Hemolysis is apparently a minor symptom, and does not express the gravity of this damaging situation.