Continuous Monitoring of Hepatic Venous Oxyhemoglobin Saturation During Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Abstract

Hepatic dysfunction following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a common phenomenon that may increase mortality. Hepatic dysfunction may be a consequence of inadequate liver perfusion during CPB. We monitored hepatic venous oxyhemoglobin saturation (ShVO₂) during CPB continuously in 8 patients. The mean value of ShVO₂was 63.0±9.4 % before CPB. ShVO₂ increased with cooling and remained until rewarming was completed. ShVO₂ started to decline following rewarming and decreased to 36.6±16.6 % when CPB was completed. ShVO₂ was 63.0±11.3%, equal to the initial value, one hour after CPB. Our findings indicate that temperature change during the rewarming period is an important factor affecting the balance of hepatic oxygen supply and demand during CPB.