The Perioperative Course of Sublingual Microcirculatory Alterations in Patients Undergoing Extracorporeal Flow Conditions: Cold Blood Compared With Cristalloid Cardioplegia

The microcirculatory measurements were obtained in both groups in the sublingual mucosa using Cytocam imaging. The probe was handheld. Different precautions were taken and steps followed to obtain images of adequate quality and to ensure good reproducibility.

Images were made after induction of anesthesia (t0), before CBP 5 minutes after heparine (t1), 5 minutes after CBP beginning (t2), during CBP 10 minutes after crossclamp beginning (t3), after crossclamp ending when heart begins to beat (t4), after CBP 10 minutes after protamine (t5).

Additional images were made before (tc0) and after (tc1) vasoactive medication; before (tv0) and after (tv1) volume administration; before (tb0) and after (tb1) blood administration, (FFP, PLT).

At each timepoint adequate focus depth and contrast were noticed. Three steady images of 6 seconds were acquired and recorded on a device controller based on a powerful medical grade computer which is used for image storage and analysis.

Additionally macrocirculatory measurements were obtained at the same timepoints. Hemodynamic variables, temperature, blood gas, INVOS, StO2, laboratory findings and standart therapy were recorded. Additionally intubation time, ICU stay, hospital stay, ICU readmission, morbidity and mortality were studied.