Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in piglets using a polymerized bovine hemoglobin-based oxygen-carrying solution (HBOC-201)

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if the polymerized bovine hemoglobin-based oxygen-carrying solution HBOC-201 is an acceptable substitute for blood in a healthy porcine, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) model. Methods: Ten piglets (15 to 25 kg) were placed on venoarterial ECMO. Four animals received blood-primed ECMO, and 6 animals received HBOC-201–primed ECMO. Hemodynamic variables, urine output, blood gas analyses, complete blood counts, and lactate levels were followed for 6 hours. Data were analyzed using a nonparametric sign test and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: All animals survived the 6-hour ECMO procedure. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, urine output, and serum lactate levels were not significantly different between groups. Postpriming volume was 176 ± 156 mL in the blood group. None of the animals in the HBOC-201 group required additional volume to maintain target flow during ECMO ( P 2 , and oxygen content between groups were not significantly different. Hematocrit for the HBOC-201 group was significantly ( P Conclusions: HBOC-201–primed ECMO in a healthy porcine model showed similar hemodynamics and equivalent oxygen carrying capacity to blood-primed ECMO. Postpriming volume requirement was decreased significantly in the HBOC group. ECMO using HBOC-201 instead of blood appears promising and warrants further investigation. J Pediatr Surg 37:1387-1392. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.