Membrane oxygenator malfunction during cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass

Oxygenator during cardiopulmonary bypass works like the lungs for oxygenation of blood. We present a case of CABG on pump where sudden desaturation of arterial line blood was detected. All possible reasons for desaturation like inadequate oxygen supply, bypass circuit leak, clot or leak in oxygenator, wrong connection of CPB circuit etc. were rechecked and tried for correction. The patient’s oxygen saturation was not improved. The aortic cross clamp was released, lungs were ventilated and CPB was stopped. The membrane oxygenator was replaced with a new one. The CPB was restarted and subsequent course was uneventful. The different causes and management of membrane oxygenator malfunction is discussed. (Ind J Extra Corpor Technol 2011;21:1–6)