110 H. M. da Rocha Coutinho et al.: J Extra Corpor Technol 2025, 57, 105 – 112
Figure 2. Boxplot comparing plasma hemoglobin before CPB between groups.
Figure 3. Boxplot comparing plasma hemoglobin after CPB between groups.
Scientists, the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery and the Association for Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia and Critical Care of Great Britain & Ireland to recommend the adoption of at least one method to mitigate the risk of retrograde blood flow during CPB in circuits using centrifugal pumps. Standard 6.7 from AMSECT Guideline( Minneapolis, MN) [ 11 ] stipulates that“ At least one method must be used to prevent retrograde flow for systemic circulation in circuits with centrifugal pumps”. The document also cites one-way flow valves as examples of safety devices for controlling backflow. According to Kolff et al. [ 24 ], reflux and the resulting negative pressure act as a hemodynamic siphon, aspirating the patient’ s arterial blood and potentially leading to patient exsanguination and its consequences. In addition, according to Kolff et al. [ 6 ], a reflux can start within just 540 milliseconds after stopping the pump and this reflux can reach a flow rate of 2.5 L / min after another 470 milliseconds.
In this pilot study, SafeCEC Ò demonstrated effectiveness in controlling reflux in the arterial line. Its operation eliminates the need for arterial line clamping, enhancing the safety and ease of CPB initiation and termination for the perfusionist. The valve stops the flow when the pressure at the inlet equals the outlet pressure, preventing backflow. In this way, SafeCEC Ò fulfills its objective of protecting the arterial line from reflux without causing an increase in hemolysis during CPB. This valve reduces the immediate need for arterial line clamping upon coming off CPB, thereby simplifying the transition process for the perfusionist. However, appropriate clamping remains