During cardiopulmonary bypass, perfused capillary density (PCD) can change. Normally skeletal muscles are not in use, therefore their PCD remains low without any detrimental effects. However organ systems must still function. Should PCD be reduced due to loss of pulsatility or iatrogenically reduced blood flow, the organ systems can go into shock resulting in metabolic acidosis even though the patient is on CPB.
Perfusion Theory is an educational platform for the Oxygen Pressure Field Theory (OPFT). August Krogh’s theoretical concept of the oxygen pressure field is explained and then applied to clinical applications in perfusion practice.