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Zhang CH, Ge YP, Zhong YL, Hu HO, Qiao ZY, Li CN, Zhu JM. Massive Bleeding After Surgical Repair in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Patients: Risk Factors, Outcomes, and the Predicting Model. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:892696. [PMID: 35898275 PMCID: PMC9309227 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.892696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundMassive bleeding throughout aortic repair in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) patients is a common but severe condition that can cause multiple serious clinical problems. Here, we report our findings regarding risk factors, short-term outcomes, and predicting model for massive bleeding in ATAAD patients who underwent emergent aortic repair.MethodsA universal definition of perioperative bleeding (UDPB) class 3 and 4 were used to define massive bleeding and comprehensively evaluate patients. A total of 402 consecutive patients were enrolled in this retrospective study during 2019. Surgical strategies used to perform aortic arch procedures included total arch and hemiarch replacements. In each criterion, patients with massive bleeding were compared with remaining patients. Multivariable regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for massive bleeding. Logistic regression was used to build the model, and the model was evaluated with its discrimination and calibration.ResultsIndependent risk factors for massive bleeding included male sex (OR = 6.493, P < 0.001), elder patients (OR = 1.029, P = 0.05), low body mass index (BMI) (OR = 0.879, P = 0.003), emergent surgery (OR = 3.112, P = 0.016), prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR = 1.012, P = 0.002), lower hemoglobin levels (OR = 0.976, P = 0.002), increased D-dimer levels (OR = 1.000, P = 0.037), increased fibrin degradation products (OR = 1.019, P = 0.008), hemiarch replacement (OR = 5.045, P = 0.037), total arch replacement (OR = 14.405, P = 0.004). The early-stage mortality was higher in massive bleeding group (15.9 vs. 3.9%, P = 0.001). The predicting model showed a well discrimination (AUC = 0.817) and calibration (χ2 = 5.281, P = 0.727 > 0.05).ConclusionMassive bleeding in ATAAD patients who underwent emergent aortic repair is highly associated with gender, emergent surgery, increased D-dimer levels, longer CPB time, anemia, and use of a complex surgical strategy. Since massive bleeding may lead to worse outcomes, surgeons should choose suitable surgical strategies in patients who are at a high risk of massive bleeding.
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Fazlinović S, Wallinder A, Dellborg M, Furenäs E, Eriksson P, Synnergren M, Lidén H. Outcome and survival after open heart surgery for adults with congenital heart disease - a single center experience. SCAND CARDIOVASC J 2021; 55:345-353. [PMID: 34672849 DOI: 10.1080/14017431.2021.1983639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction. Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of birth defect today. The adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) population is constantly growing and becoming older and more patients require cardiac surgery. The objective of this study was to review the surgical outcome of the open heart procedures performed on ACHD patients in the last 10 years at Sahlgrenska University Hospital (SUH) through a retrospective descriptive cohort study. Methods. A retrospective data collection was performed for 421 patients who underwent a total of 439 surgical procedures between 2009 and 2018 at the Cardiothoracic department in SUH. The primary outcomes were early (<30 days) and late survival. Secondary outcomes were postoperative complications and independent risk factors for postoperative complications. Results. 30-day mortality was 1.9%. Long-term survival after 3, 5 and 10 years were 96% ± 1, 94.3% ± 1.3 and 92.4% ± 1.8. 82 major complications occurred after 46 procedures (11.6%). The most common major complication was re-exploration due to hemorrhage. Risk factors for major complications were acute surgery and prolonged extracorporeal circulation time. 173 minor complications occurred after 90 procedures (22.5%). The most common minor complication was prolonged intensive care unit stay (>48 h). Conclusion. This study presents satisfactory early and midterm survival. The survival and frequency of major postoperative complications are well in line with what other studies have presented. Patients undergoing resternotomies had no increased risk for mortality or postoperative complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanin Fazlinović
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Andreas Wallinder
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mikael Dellborg
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,ACHD-unit, Department of Medicine/Östra, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eva Furenäs
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,ACHD-unit, Department of Medicine/Östra, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Peter Eriksson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,ACHD-unit, Department of Medicine/Östra, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mats Synnergren
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hans Lidén
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Elassal AA, Al-Ebrahim KE, Debis RS, Ragab ES, Faden MS, Fatani MA, Allam AR, Abdulla AH, Bukhary AM, Noaman NA, Eldib OS. Re-exploration for bleeding after cardiac surgery: revaluation of urgency and factors promoting low rate. J Cardiothorac Surg 2021; 16:166. [PMID: 34099003 PMCID: PMC8183590 DOI: 10.1186/s13019-021-01545-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Re-exploration of bleeding after cardiac surgery is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Perioperative blood loss and rate of re-exploration are variable among centers and surgeons. OBJECTIVE To present our experience of low rate of re-exploration based on adopting checklist for hemostasis and algorithm for management. METHODS Retrospective analysis of medical records was conducted for 565 adult patients who underwent surgical treatment of congenital and acquired heart disease and were complicated by postoperative bleeding from Feb 2006 to May 2019. Demographics of patients, operative characteristics, perioperative risk factors, blood loss, requirements of blood transfusion, morbidity and mortality were recorded. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of re-exploration and determinants of adverse outcome. RESULTS Thirteen patients (1.14%) were reexplored for bleeding. An identifiable source of bleeding was found in 11 (84.6%) patients. Risk factors for re-exploration were high body mass index, high Euro SCORE, operative priority (urgent/emergent), elevated serum creatinine and low platelets count. Re-exploration was significantly associated with increased requirements of blood transfusion, adverse effects on cardiorespiratory state (low ejection fraction, increased s. lactate, and prolonged period of mechanical ventilation), longer intensive care unit stay, hospital stay, increased incidence of SWI, and higher mortality (15.4% versus 2.53% for non-reexplored patients). We managed 285 patients with severe or massive bleeding conservatively by hemostatic agents according to our protocol with no added risk of morbidity or mortality. CONCLUSION Low rate of re-exploration for bleeding can be achieved by strict preoperative preparation, intraoperative checklist for hemostasis implemented by senior surgeons and adopting an algorithm for management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abdelrahman Elassal
- Department of Surgery, Cardiac Surgery Unit, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia. .,Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
| | | | - Ragab Shehata Debis
- Department of Surgery, Cardiac Surgery Unit, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ehab Sobhy Ragab
- Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | | | | | - Amr Ragab Allam
- Department of Surgery, Cardiac Surgery Unit, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Cardiac Surgery, Naser Institute of Research and Treatment, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Hasan Abdulla
- Department of Surgery, Cardiac Surgery Unit, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia.,Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, Alahrar Hospital, Zagazig, Egypt
| | | | - Nada Ahmed Noaman
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama Saber Eldib
- Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Kara H, Erden T. Feasibility and acceptability of continuous postoperative pericardial flushing for blood loss reduction in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2019; 68:219-226. [PMID: 31325107 DOI: 10.1007/s11748-019-01174-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Postoperative bleeding requires blood transfusion and surgical re-exploration that can affect the short- and long-term postoperative outcomes. Interventions that can be used in the postoperative period to reduce blood loss should be developed. Continuous postoperative pericardial flushing (CPPF) with an irrigation solution may reduce blood loss by preventing the accumulation of clots. This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of CPPF for reducing bleeding after coronary artery bypass surgery. METHODS This pilot study adopted a prospective and group comparison design. Between January and April 2018, 42 patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass surgery received CPPF from sternal closure up to 8 h postoperative. The mean actual blood loss in the CPPF group was compared to the mean of retrospectively group (n = 58). In the CPPF group, an extra infusion catheter was inserted through one of the tube incision holes and an irrigation solution (0.9% NaCl at 38 °C) was delivered to the pericardial cavity by using a volumetric pump. Safety aspects, feasibility issues, and complications were documented. The primary outcome was blood loss, and it was assessed 18 h after the surgery. RESULTS CPPF was successfully completed in 40 patients (95.24%). Method-related complications were not observed. Feasibility was good in this experimental setting. Blood loss was lower in the CPPF group (257.24 mL) than non-CPPF group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS CPPF after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery is safe, effective, feasible, and acceptable. However, standardized randomized clinical trials are necessary to draw definitive conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakan Kara
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Giresun Ada Hospital, Giresun, Turkey.
| | - Tuncay Erden
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
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Pereira KMFSM, de Assis CS, Cintra HNWL, Ferretti-Rebustini REL, Püschel VAA, Santana-Santos E, Rodrigues ARB, de Oliveira LB. Factors associated with the increased bleeding in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery: A cohort study. J Clin Nurs 2018; 28:850-861. [PMID: 30184272 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To identify factors associated with the increased bleeding in patients during the postoperative period after cardiac surgery. BACKGROUND Bleeding is among the most frequent complications that occur in the postoperative period after cardiac surgery, representing one of the major factors in morbidity and mortality. Understanding the factors associated with the increased bleeding may allow nurses to anticipate and prioritise care, thus reducing the mortality associated with this complication. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. METHODS Adult patients in a cardiac hospital who were in the postoperative period following cardiac surgery were included. Factors associated with the increased bleeding were investigated by means of linear regression, considering time intervals of 6 and 12 hr. RESULTS The sample comprised 391 participants. The factors associated with the increased bleeding in the first 6 hr were male sex, body mass index, cardiopulmonary bypass duration, anoxia duration, metabolic acidosis, higher heart rate, platelets and the activated partial thromboplastin time in the postoperative period. Predictors in the first 12 hr were body mass index, cardiopulmonary bypass duration, metabolic acidosis, higher heart rate, platelets and the activated partial thromboplastin time in the postoperative. CONCLUSIONS This study identified factors associated with the increased postoperative bleeding from cardiac surgery that have not been reported in previous studies. The nurse is important in the vigilance, evaluation and registry of chest tube drainage and modifiable factors associated with the increased bleeding, such as metabolic acidosis and postoperative heart rate, and in discussions with the multiprofessional team. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Knowledge of the factors associated with the increased bleeding is critical for nurses so they can provide prophylactic interventions and early postoperative treatment when needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kárla M F S M Pereira
- Heart Institute, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Caroline S de Assis
- Heart Institute, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Haulcionne N W L Cintra
- Heart Institute, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | | | - Vilanice A A Püschel
- Medical-Surgical Nursing Department, Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | | | - Adriano Rogério B Rodrigues
- Heart Institute, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Larissa B de Oliveira
- Heart Institute, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR.,Medical-Surgical Nursing Department, Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP, BR.,Nursing Department, Sociedade de Cardiologia do Estado de Sao Paulo, SP, BR
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Biancari F, Kinnunen EM, Kiviniemi T, Tauriainen T, Anttila V, Airaksinen JKE, Brascia D, Vasques F. Meta-analysis of the Sources of Bleeding after Adult Cardiac Surgery. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2017; 32:1618-1624. [PMID: 29338997 DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2017.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to pool data on the proportion and prognostic impact of sources of bleeding in patients requiring re-exploration after adult cardiac surgery. DESIGN Systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis. SETTING Multistitutional study. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS A literature review was performed to identify studies published since 1990 evaluating the outcome after reoperation for bleeding or tamponade after adult cardiac surgery. Eighteen studies including 5,1497 patients fulfilled the selection criteria. Reoperation for bleeding/tamponade was performed in 2,455 patients (4.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.9%-5.2%, I2 92%). These had a significantly higher risk of in-hospital/30-day mortality compared with patients not reoperated for bleeding (pooled rates: 9.3% v 2.3%; risk ratio 3.30; 95% CI 2.52-4.32; I2 47%; 8 studies; 25,463 patients). Surgical sites of bleeding were identified in 65.7% of cases (95% CI 58.3%-73.2%; I2 94%), cardiac site bleeding in 40.9% of cases (95% CI 29.7%-52.0%; I2 94%), and mediastinal/sternum site bleeding in 27.0% of cases (95% CI 16.8%-37.3%; I2 94%). The main sites of bleeding were the body of the graft (20.2%), the sternum (17.0%), vascular sutures (12.5%), the internal mammary artery harvest site (13.0%), and anastomoses (9.9%). In metaregression, surgical site bleeding was associated with a lower risk of in-hospital/30-day mortality compared with diffuse bleeding (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Surgical site bleeding is identified in two-thirds of patients undergoing re-exploration after adult cardiac surgery. Meticulous surgical technique and systematic intraoperative checking of potential surgical sites of bleeding at the time of the original cardiac surgery may reduce the risk of such a severe complication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fausto Biancari
- Department of Surgery, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Surgery, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Heart Center, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | | | - Tuomas Kiviniemi
- Heart Center, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Vesa Anttila
- Heart Center, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Debora Brascia
- Department of Surgery, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Rashed A, Gombocz K, Vigh A, Alotti N. Total proximal anastomosis detachment after classical bentall procedure. Int J Surg Case Rep 2017; 37:173-176. [PMID: 28688312 PMCID: PMC5501880 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2017.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Total proximal anastomosis detachment after classical Bentall procedure is very rare and life-threatrning complication. Elongation of the left ventricle tract may serve a surgical solution to treat this complication. Surgeons performing the Bentall procedure must be familiar with all existing modifications.
Introduction Since its introduction in 1968, the Bentall procedure has been the primary surgical solution for aneurysms of the aortic root. However, many surgeons have reported serious procedural complications such as detachment of coronary ostia and pseudoaneurysm formation at anastomosis sites. Therefore, the Bentall procedure has undergone several modifications to eliminate those complications. Partial or total detachment of the proximal anastomosis is rarely reported. Presentation of case We report a total detachment of the proximal anastomosis after a Bentall operation with emphasis on the possible practical mechanisms, which might have led to the development of this very rare complication. The diagnosis was confirmed at a routine follow up examination and urgent surgery was performed. We also report our operative solution and review other possible surgical solutions that might be considered in this setting. Discussion The Bentall procedure and its modifications continue to be considered the gold standard for treating aneurysms involving the aortic root. Various modifications can serve as optimal solutions for procedure-related complications. Conclusion Surgeons performing the Bentall procedure must be familiar with all existing modifications because they are complementary to the original surgical procedure. In the absence of endocarditis left ventricle outflow tract elongation may be an acceptable surgical solution to deal with total detachment of the proximal anastomosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aref Rashed
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Zala St. Raphael County Hospital, Zalaegerszeg, Hungary.
| | - Karoly Gombocz
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Zala St. Raphael County Hospital, Zalaegerszeg, Hungary
| | - Andras Vigh
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Zala St. Raphael County Hospital, Zalaegerszeg, Hungary
| | - Nasri Alotti
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Zala St. Raphael County Hospital, Zalaegerszeg, Hungary
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Kristensen KL, Rauer LJ, Mortensen PE, Kjeldsen BJ. Reoperation for bleeding in cardiac surgery. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg 2012; 14:709-13. [PMID: 22368106 DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivs050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
At Odense University Hospital (OUH), 5-9% of all unselected cardiac surgical patients undergo reoperation due to excessive bleeding. The reoperated patients have an approximately three times greater mortality than non-reoperated. To reduce the rate of reoperations and mortality due to postoperative bleeding, we aim to identify risk factors that predict reoperation. A total of 1452 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery using extracorporeal circulation (ECC) between November 2005 and December 2008 at OUH were analysed. Statistical tests were used to identify risk factors for reoperation. We performed a case-note review on propensity-matched patients to assess the outcome of reoperation for bleeding regarding morbidity and mortality. In total, 101 patients (7.0%) underwent surgical re-exploration due to excessive postoperative bleeding. Significant risk factors for reoperation for bleeding after cardiac surgery was low ejection fraction, high EuroSCORE, procedures other than isolated CABG, elongated time on ECC, low body mass index, diabetes mellitus and preoperatively elevated s-creatinine. Reoperated patients significantly had a greater increase in postoperative s-creatinine and higher mortality. Surviving reoperated patients significantly had a lower EuroSCORE and a shorter time on ECC compared with non-survivors. The average time to re-exploration was 155 min longer for non-survivors when compared with survivors.
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Edmunds LH. Managing fibrinolysis without aprotinin. Ann Thorac Surg 2010; 89:324-31. [PMID: 20103278 DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2009.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2009] [Revised: 10/12/2009] [Accepted: 10/12/2009] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Cardiopulmonary bypass increases perioperative bleeding and produces a consumptive coagulopathy, which is defined as the simultaneous production of thrombin and fibrinolysis. Thrombin formation and fibrinolysis primarily occur in the surgical wound and peak at the time heparin is reversed by protamine. Neither aprotinin nor lysine analogs successfully control bleeding in many complex procedures, reoperations, aortic resections, or in implantations of mechanical circulatory devices. This analysis reviews the mechanisms involved and current treatment protocols, with the conclusion that changes in treatment protocols rather than use of a specific anti-fibrinolytic drug may provide better control of bleeding in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Henry Edmunds
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-3325, USA.
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