Metho­ds: Thirty patients scheduled for an elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were registered for study and divided equally into two groups. Conventional arterial line filter was used in the control group while in the leukocyte filtration group, a commercially available leukocyte filter and a conventional arterial line filter were paralelly incorporated into the CPB circuit, and the blood was filtered during reperfusion phase and the rest of CPB duration.

Results: Preoperative and intraoperative data did not reveal any differences between two groups. Similarly, no statistically significant difference was present in terms of complete blood count, biochemical markers of myocardial and renal damage, malondialdehyde levels in systemic blood and coronary sinus effluent, hemodynamic measurements, inotropic support requirement, duration of mechanic ventilation, and length of intensive care unit and hospital stay. There was a linear correlation between neutrophil counts and myocardial damage markers in peripheric blood samples.

Co­nclusio­n: We concluded that, in the elective CABG patients, leukocyte filtration through arterial line during reperfusion period does not reduce enoughly the leukocyte count in peripheric blood, and does not provide enough myocardial protection. Therefore we do not suggest the routine use of such filters in elective cardiac surgery cases, however, it may be more beneficial to use it in patients who are prone to complications.