Fluidic circuits were initially designed as controlling devices for use in situations where the use of electronic circuits was not feasible. With proper design, fluidic controls can be made extremely sensitive and fast operating — even to the extent of rivaling other electronic counterparts. Therefore, in a number of applications, it becomes a matter of preference, rather than necessity, whether fluidic or electronic controls are specified. For example, a fluidic control system and an electronic control system, which perform equivalent functions in the operation of an experimental pneumatic extracorporeal pump for use during open-heart surgery, are described in this paper.