The increased morbidity and mortality following cardiopulmonary bypass （CPB） may be due to the development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome （SIRS）. Leukocyte, especially neutrophil, plays a crucial role in SIRS during and after CPB, so the leukocyte removal by filtrations appears to be a logical anti-inflammatory strategy. Many articles reported that leukocyte depletion filter can decrease the potential adverse effects during CPB and reduce the morbidity and mortality following CPB. But the protective effects of the filter varied greatly from paper to paper. This may be due to the different design and biocompatibility of the filter at present, But, because the leukocyte plays a central role in SIRS, leukocyte depletion filter would be an important apparatus in therapy of noninfectious inflammation induced by CPB after it was improved.
