Complement and the damaging effects of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Complement and the damaging effects of cardiopulmonary bypass* "One of the most serious difficulties encountered in total body perfusion is the profound effect upon the lungs that may occur in certain patients. It is indeed discouraging to perform open cardiac corrective surgery, to have the patient remain in excellent condition throughout the procedure and for a day or two thereafter, finally succumbing to pulmonary insufficiency while the heart itself remains strong to the very end."