Use of nonblood priming for open-heart surgery in dogs.

Three electrolyte solutions were used as priming perfusates for 1 hour of cardiopulmonary bypass in 9 dogs. Arterial blood pressure was maintained at a satisfactory level during perfusion and returned to the original ranges shortly after bypass. Measurement of various blood constituents indicated that they were constantly maintained in the normal range during the procedure. The PVC decreased sharply until the 3rd postperfusion day, then returned to the base-line values. Similar patterns were obtained for each solution, with no additional infusion being administered after bypass. All dogs recovered without complications and evidence of cerebral abnormalities was not seen. The dogs were euthanatized and necropsied 14 days after surgery and all major organs appeared normal on gross examination.