Minimized extracorporeal circulation

Minimized extracorporeal circulation (MECC) is a cardiopulmonary bypass technique used in cardiac surgery. It is a modified form of conventional extracorporeal circulation (ECC), designed to reduce the negative effects associated with conventional ECC.

History

The concept of minimized extracorporeal circulation was first introduced in the late 1990s. The aim was to develop a system that could reduce the negative effects of conventional extracorporeal circulation while maintaining the benefits of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Technique

The MECC system is a closed, sterile circuit that minimizes the contact between the patient's blood and the artificial surfaces of the extracorporeal circuit. This is achieved by reducing the priming volume, eliminating the cardiotomy suction, and using biocompatible coated circuits. The system also includes a centrifugal pump and a membrane oxygenator.

Advantages

The main advantages of MECC over conventional ECC include reduced systemic inflammatory response, less postoperative bleeding, and a lower requirement for blood transfusions. It also reduces the risk of organ damage and postoperative complications.

Disadvantages

Despite its advantages, MECC is not suitable for all types of cardiac surgery. It is not recommended for complex procedures that require a long duration of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Clinical significance

Several studies have shown that MECC can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications and improve patient outcomes in cardiac surgery. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the optimal use of MECC in different types of cardiac surgery.

See also

• Cardiopulmonary bypass
• Extracorporeal circulation
• Cardiac surgery