952-24 Role of Leukocyte Depletion During Cardioplegic Arrest

Leukocyte depletion (LD) filters may be beneficial during reperfusion of acutely ischemic myocardium; however, its role during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and blood cardioplegic (BCP) arrest is unknown. This study sought to determine whether inserting LD filters during CPB and BCP arrest decreased ischemic damage. In 20 pigs, the 2nd and 3rd diagonal vessels were occluded for 90 minutes followed by 45 minutes of BCP arrest and 180 minutes of reperfusion on CPB. In 5 pigs, LD filters were inserted both in the CPB and BCP circuits (CPB+BCP), 5 pigs had LD during BCP only (BCP). 5 pigs had LD during CPB only (CPB). and 5 pigs had no LD. Ischemic damage was assessed by Wall Motion Scores IWMS) using 2-D echo (4=normal to-1=dyskinesia) and the Area of Necrosis/Area of Risk (AN/AR). Results are Mean±SE.No LDBCPCPBCPB+BCPWMS1.7±0.42.0±0.23.6±0.1*3.4±0.2*AN/AR (%)34±229±117±1*19±1**p<0.05 from no LD and BCP groupsWe conclude that LD filters significantly reduce ischemic damage and are most effective when placed in the CPB circuit