Effect of poly (2-methoxyethyl acrylate)-coated oxygenators on haemolysis.

Blood contact with artificial device surfaces and mechanical trauma are two major factors for haemolysis. Poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA) is an amphiphilic polymer with a polyethylene chain that is hydrophobic and a mildly hydrophilic tail. PMEA coating has showed positive effects on protein adsorption, platelet loss, platelet aggregation and post-operative bleeding in previous studies. In this study, effects of poly(2-metoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA)-coated oxygenators on haemolysis was investigated. PMEA-coated (SX18-Capiox) oxygenators were used. Desorbed erythrocyte, free haemoglobin indirect bilirubin and total bilirubin quantities from fibre samples of oxygenators were studied. Erythrocyte, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin values were measured from blood aliquots taken in five different times during cardiopulmonary by-pass (CPB); baseline (T1), during CPB (T2), at the end of CPB (T3), after protamine injection (T4) and in intensive care (T5). In both coated and non-coated oxygenators haemolysis...