Bronchospasm during extracorporeal circulation

Six cases of bronchospasm are reported, which occurred at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). One patient developed this condition twice within one year. This was a rare occurrence (6 cases for 3714 CPB). Symptoms were the same every time: increased inflation pressures, impossible deflation, and low left atrial pressures. Adrenaline given by way of the bypass was the quickest and most effective treatment. The favourable outcome in all 5 patients was due to the continuing of circulatory assistance by the CPB. Although the prevention of anaphylactoid accidents in atopic patients has been well documented, the cause of the bronchospasm in our patients has not been recognized, and it may well not have been due to a particular drug.