In 20 patients who underwent open-heart surgery, the plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, glucagon, growth hormone, free hemoglobin, and cholinesterase were measured before, during and after pulsatile and continuous perfusion. Pulsatile flow was achieved by modification of a roller pump to effect rapid acceleration and slowing. The driving motor was interfaced with a control module to enable ECG-triggered perfusion. In addition to the clinical studies, investigations were performed in 9 dogs to assess the effects of pulsatile and continuous perfusion on liver and pancreas flow during total bypass. During pulsatile perfusion there was a significant increase in insulin which, however, was clearly diminished in relation to glucose levels. The response of the beta-cells was markedly more compromised after continuous than pulsatile perfusion. The secondary postoperative increase in insulin can be accounted for by intravenous administration of glucose and, particularly, after pulsatile perfusion, indicates an almost completely normal response of pancreatic beta-cells. As opposed to the effects of continuous perfusion, the low glucose, glucagon, and growth hormone levels, the insulin increase during and after pulsatile perfusion as well as normal cholinesterase values observed in association with pulsatile perfusion appear to be the result of improved pancreatic and hepatic function. This contention is supported by the experimental finding of significantly increased pancreas and liver perfusion during pulsatile perfusion.