Feasibility of veno-venous bypass surgery using leukocyte adhesion filters during abdominal surgery in a porcine model

During oncologic surgery, manipulation of tumour tissue is almost unpreventable; liver resection even carries a higher risk of tumour cell dissemination into venous blood. Under in vitro conditions, a tumour cell reducing effect of some leukocyte adhesion filter systems has been shown. In a preclinical porcine model, these filters were used as integrated parts of a veno-venous bypass system used for liver surgery, run by a biopump. Practicability, handling and safety aspects of the filter system were analysed; the system was easy and safe to handle, and treated animals survived without any complications. For the future, effectiveness of the tumour cell depletion has to be examined in further experimental and clinical studies. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.