Anticoagulation management during cross-clamping and bypass

Thromboelastometry and two activated clotting tests in detecting residual heparin after protamine in cardiac surgical patients: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

After cardiac surgery, complete heparin reversal with protamine is essential. Accordingly, there is a need for an accurate and precise point-of-care device to detect possible residual heparin after protamine administration.

OBJECTIVES

To compare two different activated clotting time (ACT) tests and thromboelastometry in detecting postprotamine heparin activity after cardiac surgery.

DESIGN

A single-centre prospective, observational study.

SETTING

University Hospital from September 2021 to February 2023.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty-five adult, elective cardiac surgical patients.

INTERVENTIONS

The ACT-LR and ACT+ tests of Hemochron Signature Elite device, and the coagulation time (CT) ratio from INTEM and HEPTEM tests of ROTEM Sigma device, were analysed after protamine administration and compared to baseline values.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Based on postprotamine antifactor Xa (anti-fXa) activity, the patients were divided into heparin (anti-fXa ≥0.2 IU ml -1 ) and no heparin (anti-fXa ≤0.1 IU ml -1 ) groups.

RESULTS

There was a mean bias of 44 [95% confidence interval (CI) 40 to 47] celite seconds between ACT-LR and ACT+ measurements. The absolute changes in ACT-LR, ACT+ and INTEM:HEPTEM CT ratio were variable and did not differ between the groups. The mean ± SD percentage changes between postprotamine and baseline ACT-LR and ACT+ values were 5.9 ± 17.5 and 5.9 ± 16.9% in the no residual heparin group, compared to 1.4 ± 8.4 and 9.9 ± 12.5% in the residual heparin group. Receiver operator characteristic curves for postprotamine INTEM:HEPTEM CT ratio and for percentage changes in ACT-LR and ACT+ to detect an anti-fXa at least 0.2 IU ml -1 had areas under the curve of 0.496 (95% CI, 0.329 to 0.663), 0.425 (95% CI, 0.260 to 0.591) and 0.583 (95% CI, 0.417 to 0.749), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Both the ACT-LR and ACT+ tests of Hemochron Signature Elite device and the INTEM:HEPTEM CT ratio of ROTEM Sigma device have poor ability to detect residual heparin shortly after protamine administration.

Performance of Hemochron ACT-LR and ACT+ Test Cuvettes in Monitoring Low to Moderate Heparin Concentrations: An In Vitro Study

OBJECTIVES

According to the manufacturer, the Hemochron ACT-LR cuvette is designated for heparin concentrations of 0 to 2.5 IU/mL, while the optimal concentration range for the ACT+ cartridge is 1 to 6 IU/mL. We hypothesized that at low to moderate heparin concentrations, the ACT-LR is more reliable than the ACT+.

DESIGN

An in vitro study.

SETTING

A tertiary care university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty healthy adult volunteers.

INTERVENTIONS

Donor blood samples were spiked with unfractionated heparin to concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 IU/mL. From each concentration, 3 measurements were made with each test cassette using 3 different Hemochron Signature Elite devices, for a total of 720 ACT tests. The Bland-Altman method and intraclass correlation coefficients were used to analyze the data.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

All 360 ACT+ tests yielded a result. Of 360, 38 (11%) ACT-LR tests ran above the upper measurement range; of these, 36 were from the 120 measurements at heparin concentrations ≥2.0 IU/mL. The bias between all ACT-LR and ACT+ measurements ​​was 52 (95% CI, 48-56) celite seconds, and the limits of agreement were wide. Based on the intraclass correlation coefficients, the reliability of ACT+ was better than or equal to that of ACT-LR.

CONCLUSIONS

The performance of ACT+ is equal to that of ACT-LR up to a concentration of 0.5 IU/mL, above which ACT+ is superior to ACT-LR, questioning the rationale for a specific low-range test. However, there is a significant bias between ACT-LR and ACT+ measurements that needs to be considered if switching from one test to the other.

ECMO for bridging lung transplantation

BACKGROUND

With the shift in donor lung allocation from blood type and waiting order to the use of the lung allocation score (LAS) system, there are increasingly more cases of ECMO bridging lung transplantation. However, there are still some problems in case selection, implementation, and management.

METHODS

We analyzed and summarized a series of data on ECMO bridging lung transplantation through an extensive literature review.

RESULTS

The improvement of the lung transplant allocation system and the progress of ECMO technology have made the ECMO bridge to lung transplant more widely used in clinical practice. The selection of bridge patients is a crucial link in the success of transplantation, and accurate assessment of the patient before transplantation is necessary. The advantages and disadvantages of different bridge strategies exist, and the appropriate bridge strategy should be selected based on the patient's situation. Bleeding and thrombosis complications often occur during ECMO circulation, and there is currently no optimal anticoagulation strategy. The predictive score for bridge post-outcome is still subject to certain limitations.

CONCLUSIONS

ECMO bridging lung transplantation is suitable for patients waiting for lung transplantation when other respiratory support is ineffective or when hemodynamic instability occurs the disease is severe and the donor organ is easily obtainable. Patients aged 65 years or older, or have reversible multiple organ dysfunction should not be included as contraindications for ECMO bridging lung transplantation.

Assessing the impact of different heparin dosing regimens for cardiopulmonary bypass on anticoagulation: the HepDOSE pilot study

PURPOSE

It has been suggested that a larger heparin dose during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with reduced perioperative coagulopathy and thromboembolic complications. We investigated the effect of different heparin doses during routine elective cardiac surgery. Our primary outcomes include blood loss and transfusion and secondary outcomes investigate the effects on coagulation biomarkers.

METHODS

In this prospective pilot trial, we allocated 60 patients undergoing cardiac surgery on CPB in a single tertiary cardiac centre into three groups to receive an initial dose of 300, 400, or 500 units (U) per kilogram of intravenous heparin prior to the commencement of CPB. Blood was sampled after induction of anesthesia, at 30 and 60 min of CPB, and three minutes after heparin reversal with protamine. Samples were analyzed for fibrinopeptide A (FPA), fibrinopeptide B (FPB), D-dimer, and thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes. Postoperative blood loss and transfusion was measured for the first 24-hr period after surgery.

RESULTS

The total mean (95% CI) administered heparin dose in the 300 U·kg-1, 400 U·kg-1, and 500 U·kg-1 groups were 39,975 (36,528 to 43,421) U, 43,195 (36,940 to 49,449) U and 47,900 (44,807 to 50,992) U, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in FPA, FPB or D-dimer levels at the measured time intervals. There was a trend towards lower TAT levels while on CPB with greater heparin dosing, which was statistically significant after the administration of protamine. The clinical significance appears to be negligible, as there is no difference in overall blood loss and amount of packed red blood cell transfusion or other blood product transfusion.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study indicates that, while larger heparin dosing for routine cardiac surgery results in subtle biochemical changes in coagulation, there is no demonstrable benefit in postoperative blood loss or transfusion requirements.

A Pilot Study to Assess the Clinical Onset of IV Heparin in Interventional Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery

OBJECTIVES

To determine the onset of heparin anticoagulation, using 2 different measures of activated clotting times (ACT), thromboelastography (TEG; R-time), and anti-Xa levels, after administering low- (100 U/kg) and high- (300 U/kg) dose intravenous (IV) heparin to patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and cardiac surgery, respectively.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Single academic institution.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with normal baseline coagulation presenting for TAVR or cardiac valve surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

Coagulation studies were performed at baseline, 30 seconds, 90 seconds, and 180 seconds after IV heparin administration. The tests included iSTAT (iACT) and Hemochron ACT (hACT), TEG R-Time, and anti-Xa levels. At the authors' institution, anti-Xa is the preferred measure of heparin anticoagulation when time permits. ACT, a rapid point- of-care test, is used to assess intraprocedural anticoagulation.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

After both low- and high-dose heparin, there are peak increases in ACT and anti-Xa at 30 seconds, followed by a decline at 90 seconds and plateau at 180 seconds. The TEG R-time remained elevated (>80 minutes) throughout. For TAVR cases, all anti-Xa was >1.5 IU/mL, and was associated with an iACT >180 seconds and an hACT >200 seconds. For cardiac valve surgery cases, all anti-Xa was >2.4 and associated with an iACT >420 seconds and and hACT >340 seconds. Compared with hACT, iACTs were significantly lower at all time points after low-dose heparin, but not after high-dose heparin.

CONCLUSIONS

In this pilot study, heparin anticoagulation was detected as early as 30 seconds after IV administration, based on ACT, anti-Xa levels, and TEG R-time.

Biological Activities and Phytochemicals of Lungworts (Genus Pulmonaria) Focusing on Pulmonaria officinalis

Lungworts (members of genus Pulmonaria), especially Pulmonaria officinalis, have been used as medicinal plants in folk and traditional medicine. The potential biological activities of lungworts, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-neurodegenerative, skin whitening, anticoagulant, antibacterial, anti-anemic, anticonvulsant, and wound-healing properties, have been observed in different studies. More than 90 phytochemicals belonging to pharmacologically active phytochemical classes have been reported for lungworts, which can be considered as one of the important contributors to the biological properties along with micronutrients. However, safety studies and clinical trials are missing for lungworts to establish most of their potential biological properties. Similarly, in vivo studies are lacking for anti-inflammatory and anti-neurodegenerative disorders and more in vivo studies are required to strengthen the knowledge of their antioxidant, anticoagulant, and anti-convulsant properties. A comprehensive compilation of the phytochemicals and biological properties of lungworts is also lacking in the literature, which can provide future direction for further pharmacological research. Hence, an attempt has been made in this study to compile the phytochemicals and biological properties to not only provide the resources for the design of further research to develop the pharmacological application of lungworts, but also to highlight the gaps and provide suggestions for future development.

Control of Blood Coagulation by Hemocompatible Material Surfaces-A Review

Hemocompatibility of biomaterials in contact with the blood of patients is a prerequisite for the short- and long-term applications of medical devices such as cardiovascular stents, artificial heart valves, ventricular assist devices, catheters, blood linings and extracorporeal devices such as artificial kidneys (hemodialysis), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and cardiopulmonary bypass. Although lower blood compatibility of materials and devices can be handled with systemic anticoagulation, its side effects, such as an increased bleeding risk, make materials that have a better hemocompatibility highly desirable, particularly in long-term applications. This review provides a short overview on the basic mechanisms of blood coagulation including plasmatic coagulation and blood platelets, as well as the activation of the complement system. Furthermore, a survey on concepts for tailoring the blood response of biomaterials to improve the hemocompatibility of medical devices is given which covers different approaches that either inhibit interaction of material surfaces with blood components completely or control the response of the coagulation system, blood platelets and leukocytes.

Synthetic Material Abdominal Swabs Reduce Activation of Platelets and Leukocytes Compared to Cotton Materials

During surgical procedures, cotton abdominal swabs with their high absorptive capacity and malleability are used to retain organs and absorb blood or other body fluids. Such properties of the natural material cotton are advantageous for most operations, but in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery, a high blood volume can accumulate in the thoracic cavity that is quickly retransfused via the heart-lung machine (HLM). This common practice is supposed to be safe due to the high anticoagulation. However, in vitro analyses showed that blood cells and plasma proteins were activated despite a high anticoagulation, which can propagate especially an inflammatory response in the patient. Thus, we investigated patients' blood during CPB surgery for inflammatory and coagulation-associated activation after contact to the HLM and either cotton or synthetic abdominal swabs. Contact with cotton significantly increased thrombocyte and neutrophil activation measured as β-thromboglobulin and PMN-elastase secretion, respectively, compared to synthetic abdominal swabs. Both inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL) 1β and IL6, were also significantly increased in the cotton over the synthetic patient group, while SDF-1α was significantly lower in the synthetic group. Our data show for the first time that cotton materials can activate platelets and leukocytes despite a high anticoagulation and that this activation is lower with synthetic materials. This additional activation due to the material on top of the activation exerted by the tissue contact that blood is exposed to during CPB surgery can propagate further reactions in patients after surgery, which poses a risk for this already vulnerable patient group.

Risk Factors of Thrombotic Complications and Antithrombotic Therapy in Paediatric Cardiosurgical Patients

The development of cardiosurgical care for paediatric and neonatal patients is undergoing the rapid growth. Complex, multi-stage reconstructive operations and the use of invasive monitoring are associated with high risk of venous and arterial thrombosis.

The cardiac surgery patient is inherently unique, since it requires controlled anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass. Moreover, the most cardiovascular pediatric patients require antithrombotic measures over the perioperative period. In addition to medication support with the use of various groups of antithrombotic agents, vascular access management is justified in order to minimize the risk of thromboembolic complications, which can affect both the functional status, and common and inter-stage mortality.

The purpose of this review was to systematize the available data on risk factors contributing to the development of thrombotic complications in patients with congenital heart disease.

An information search was carried out using Internet resources (PubMed, Web of Science, eLibrary.ru); literature sources for period 2015–2020 were analysed. As a result of the analysis of the literature data age-dependent features of the haemostatic system, and associated with the defect pathophysiology, and undergone reconstructive interventions were described. The issues of pathophysiology of univentricular heart defects and risk factors associated with thrombosis were also covered.

Moreover, aspects of intraoperative anti-thrombotic support are discussed, as well as measures to prevent thromboembolic complications in this population.

Coordinated actions of haematologists, cardiologists, anaesthesiologists, intensivists, and cardiac surgeons will allow achieving a fine balance between risks of bleeding and thrombosis in the population of paediatric patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery. 

Heparin-coated vs. Non-coated Cardiopulmonary Bypass Circuits: Comparing Immediate Results with Different Target Activated Clotting Time

Objective

To compare immediate postoperative results in patients receiving heparin-albumin-coated and non-coated circuits.

Methods

A total of 241 patients undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery were divided into two groups: those receiving heparin-coated circuits (Bioline®, Maquet Cardiopulmonary AG., Hirrlingen, Germany) and those receiving non-coated circuits (Maquet Cardiopulmonary AG., Hirrlingen, Germany).

Results

Activated clotting times (ACT) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were significantly shorter in the heparin-albumin-coated group than in the non-coated group (355.64±34.12 vs. 560.38±90.20, respectively, P=0.001). In-hospital mortality and postoperative stroke rates and lengths of intensive care unit stay were similar between the groups; in contrast, in the heparin-albumin-coated group, patients had significantly better outcomes for hospital stay, drainage, and need for erythrocyte transfusion.

Conclusion

Heparin-coated circuits and reduced level of systemic heparinization with 300 seconds of target ACT level in cardiac surgery under CPB are safe and result in a very satisfactory clinical course.

Can We Rely on the Activated Clotting Time to Measure Heparin Anticoagulation? A Clinical Evaluation of Two ACT Monitors

The sensitivity to heparin during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is determined by patient-specific characteristics and is assessed by the whole blood activated clotting time (ACT). We aimed to examine reliability measures between two different ACT monitors using Bland-Altman analysis: bias should not exceed 50 ± 50 seconds for measurements performed during CPB or 10 ± 10 seconds before and after CPB. The ACT response should be linear in relation to the concentration of heparin in plasma. Twenty patients (n = 20) aged 20-80 years and admitted for coronary artery bypass surgery were enrolled to this clinical observational study. ACT values and antifactor Xa were sampled: 1) before induction of anesthesia, 2) after heparin bolus, 3) during CPB at the start of rewarming, 4) at weaning from CPB, and 5) after heparin reversal. The evaluation comprised the Hemostasis Management System Plus™ (HMS, Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN) and i-STAT™ (Abbott, Point of Care Inc., Princeton, NJ). Bias for the HMS Plus™ vs. i-STAT™ was +105 ± 119 seconds for measurements during CPB and +2.8 ± 11.7 seconds before and after CPB. Associated limits of agreement for the observed bias were ±235 and ±23 seconds, respectively. Inter-device correlation of ACT values was .46 (p < .001) during CPB; otherwise .48 (p = .02). Both devices produced ACT values unrelated (<10%) to the measured heparin concentration. The use of multivariable regression analysis demonstrated an independent association between the ACT measurement and hematocrit, however, not with the plasma concentration of heparin. ACT monitors demonstrate unacceptable bias differences, combined with wide limits of agreement. The ACT response correlated with hematocrit, but not with the actual heparin concentration.

Anticoagulation management during pulmonary endarterectomy with cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary endarterectomy requires cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, which may prolong the activated clotting time. We investigated whether activated clotting time-guided anticoagulation under these circumstances suppresses hemostatic activation.

METHODS

Individual heparin sensitivity was determined by the heparin dose-response test, and anticoagulation was monitored by the activated clotting time and heparin concentration. Perioperative hemostasis was evaluated by thromboelastometry, platelet aggregation, and several plasma coagulation markers.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients were included in this study. During cooling, tube-based activated clotting time increased from 719 (95% confidence interval = 566-872 seconds) to 1,273 (95% confidence interval = 1,136-1,410 seconds; p < 0.01) and the cartridge-based activated clotting time increased from 693 (95% confidence interval = 590-796 seconds) to 883 (95% confidence interval = 806-960 seconds; p < 0.01), while thrombin-antithrombin showed an eightfold increase. The heparin concentration showed a slightly declining trend during cardiopulmonary bypass. After protamine administration (protamine-to-heparin bolus ratio of 0.82 (0.71-0.90)), more than half of the patients showed an intrinsically activated coagulation test and intrinsically activated coagulation test without heparin effect clotting time >240 seconds. Platelet aggregation through activation of the P2Y12 (adenosine diphosphate test) and thrombin receptor (thrombin receptor activating peptide-6 test) decreased (both -33%) and PF4 levels almost doubled (from 48 (95% confidence interval = 42-53 ng/mL) to 77 (95% confidence interval = 71-82 ng/mL); p < 0.01) between weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass and 3 minutes after protamine administration.

CONCLUSION

This study shows a wide variation in individual heparin sensitivity in patients undergoing pulmonary endarterectomy with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Although activated clotting time-guided anticoagulation management may underestimate the level of anticoagulation and consequently result in a less profound inhibition of hemostatic activation, this study lacked power to detect adverse outcomes.

Will high-dose heparin affect blood loss and inflammatory response in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass?

INTRODUCTION

We performed a randomized study to investigate if a high versus a standard dose of heparin dose during cardiopulmonary bypass could affect intra- and post-operative bleeding and reduce the inflammatory response.

METHODS

A total of 30 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting were randomized into high or standard dose of heparin during cardiopulmonary bypass. Blood loss was documented peri- and post-operatively, and interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C3 were measured in conjunction with cardiopulmonary bypass.

RESULTS

Data from 29 patients were analyzed after exclusion of one patient. The mean initial bolus and total heparin doses were 43,000 ± 5,800 IU versus 35,000 ± 4,100 IU, (p < 0.001), and 58,000 ± 9,500 IU versus 45,000 ± 7,900 IU, (p < 0.001) in the intervention and the control group, respectively. The median intra-operative bleeding was 150 mL (interquartile range 100-325) in the control versus 225 mL (IQR 200-350) in the intervention group, p = 0.15. The median chest tube blood loss 12 hour post-operatively was 300 mL (interquartile range 250-385) in the control versus 450 mL (IQR 315-505) in the intervention group, p = 0.029. There was no significant difference between the control group and the intervention group during cardiopulmonary bypass for the measured inflammatory markers interleukin-6 (p = 0.98), tumor necrosis factor-α (p = 0.72), or C3 (p = 0.13).

CONCLUSION

This small study showed a small increase of post-operative bleeding associated with higher heparin dosage in conjunction with cardiopulmonary bypass but did not demonstrate an effect of heparin on the inflammatory response to cardiopulmonary bypass.

Adjusted calculation model of heparin management during cardiopulmonary bypass in obese patients: A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is usually adapted to total body weight (TBW). This may be inaccurate in obese patients and lead to heparin overdose with a risk of bleeding.

OBJECTIVES

To validate the efficacy and safety of an adjusted calculation model of heparin dosing based on ideal body weight (IBW) rather than TBW in obese CPB patients, with an expected target mean plasma heparin concentration of 4.5 IU ml after onset of CPB in the experimental group.

DESIGN

Randomised controlled study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENTS

Sixty obese patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg m) scheduled for CPB were included from January to June 2016.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients received a bolus dose of unfractionated heparin of either 300 IU kg of TBW or 340 IU kg of IBW before onset of CPB. Additional adjusted boluses were injected to maintain an activated clotting time (ACT) of at least 400 s.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Plasma heparin concentration and ACT were measured at different time points. Total heparin doses and transfusion requirements were recorded.

RESULTS

The target heparin concentration of 4.5 IU ml was reached in the IBW group at the onset of CPB and maintained at all time points during CPB. Heparin concentrations were significantly higher in the TBW group after the bolus (6.52 ± 0.97 vs. 4.54 ± 1.13 IU ml, P < 0.001) and after cardioplegia (5.10 ± 1.03 vs. 4.31 ± 1.00 IU ml, P = 0.02). Total heparin doses were significantly higher in the TBW group. Mean ACT was significantly lower in the IBW group but remained over 400 s during CPB. The correlation between heparin and ACT was poor. Peri-operative bleeding and transfusion requirements were comparable. No thrombotic event occurred in the CPB circuit.

CONCLUSION

The current IBW-adjusted regimen of heparin administration may be used efficiently in obese CPB patients, thereby avoiding overdose which cannot be accurately assessed by ACT monitoring alone.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02675647.

Inflammatory potential of cotton-based surgically invasive devices: Implications for cardiac surgery

Cotton-based surgical invasive devices with their desired hemostyptic properties have been used for decades in the surgical field. However, in cardiac surgery using the heart-lung machine with direct retransfusion of suction blood, activated blood may re-enter the circulation without filtration and may trigger a cascade reaction leading to systemic inflammation and thrombosis. We therefore set out to evaluate the inflammatory potential of untreated and pyrogen-impregnated cotton-based surgical invasive medical devices. After incubation of the swabs with whole blood or PBMC, the cell-free supernatant was investigated for IL1β and IL6. While the reaction of human whole blood toward cotton swabs could not be influenced by any sterilization technique, dry heat and gamma-irradiation were able to diminish the inflammatory reaction of PBMC toward the material and the used pyrogens. In conclusion, using PBMC in direct contact to cotton we are the first to establish a suitable test method for quantification of the pyrogenic/inflammatory activity of this material. The unaltered reaction of whole blood, however, suggests a crosstalk of cells and plasma proteins in the inflammation activation that is not prevented by sterilization of the swabs. This new in vitro testing methodology may help to better display the clinical situation during development of new materials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1877-1888, 2019.

Antithrombotic therapy management of adult and pediatric cardiac surgery patients

Despite the development of catheter-based interventions for ischemic and valvular heart disease, hundreds of thousands of people undergo open heart surgery annually for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), valve replacement or cardiac assist device implantation. Cardiac surgery patients are unique because therapeutic anticoagulation is required during cardiopulmonary bypass. Developmental hemostasis and altered drug metabolism affect management in children. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence-based and consensus guidelines regarding perioperative, intraoperative and postoperative antithrombotic therapy in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Anticoagulation preoperatively is required in the setting of cardiac arrhythmias, prior valve replacement or history of venous thromboembolism. In patients with ischemic heart disease, aspirin is continued in the perioperative period, whereas oral P2Y12 antagonists are withheld for 5-7 days to reduce the risk of perioperative bleeding. Intraoperative management of cardiopulmonary bypass in adults and children includes anticoagulation with unfractionated heparin. Variability in dose-response to heparin and influence of other medical conditions on dosing and reversal of heparin make intraoperative anticoagulation challenging. Vitamin K antagonist therapy is the standard anticoagulant after mechanical heart valve or left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Longer duration of dual antiplatelet therapy is recommended after CABG if patients undergo surgery because of acute coronary syndrome. Antiplatelet therapy after LVAD implantation includes aspirin, dipyridamole and/or clopidogrel in children and aspirin in adults. A coordinated approach between hematology, cardiology, anesthesiology, critical care and cardiothoracic surgery can assist to balance the risk of thrombosis and bleeding in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of a small-caliber coaxial electrospun vascular graft loaded with heparin and VEGF

INTRODUCTION

To date, clinically available expanded polytetrafluoro-ethylene (ePTFE) vascular grafts are suboptimal for reconstructing small caliber (D < 6 mm) arteries, owing to thrombosis in early and restenosis in late stage. Our aim in this preliminary study was to fabricate a nano-fibrous vascular graft which was biofunctionalized with VEGF₁₆₅ and heparin. The short term performance was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo.

METHOD

Four-mm caliber grafts were prepared by the coaxial-elctrospun technique, which consisted of poly(l-lactide-co-caprolactone) [P(LLA-CL)] collagen and elastin. Heparin and endothelial cell growth factor-165 (VEGF₁₆₅) were encapsulated in the core of the fibrous. Controlled release of the heparin and VEGF₁₆₅ were evaluated for 28 days. Endothelial cells were cultured on the electrospun grafts or ePTFE grafts as controls. The cellular adhesion, proliferation and morphology were examined. Electrospun or ePTFE grafts were randomly implanted into a rabbit infrarenal aortic replacement model (n = 30) for 28 days without any antiplatelet therapy. At the termination, all grafts were examined by Doppler ultrasound and then evaluated with histology and scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

The cumulative release amount of heparin (6.93 ± 1.03 mg) and VEGF₁₆₅ (22.17 ± 5.56 μg) during 28 days were measured. Endothelial cells cultured on electrospun grafts showed significantly higher attachment efficiency and proliferation compared to the ePTFE ones (P < 0.001). At 2 h more ECs had attached to the P(LLA-CL)/Collagen/Elatin grafts (83.26 ± 8.02%) compared to P(LLA-CL) (67.07 ± 4.16%) and ePTFE (46.87 ± 8.85%). ECs proliferated faster on VEGF loaded grafts (O.D = 2.9 ± 1.2, n = 12) compared to ePTFE (O.D = 1.7 ± 1.0, n = 12). The patency was significantly higher in electrospun grafts (86.6%) than ePTFE grafts (40.0%) (P = 0.021). Correspondingly, the microscope images of electrospun implants showed little thrombus when compared with the ePTFE implants.

CONCLUSION

Biofunctionalized electrospun graft showed surgical properties, hemocompatibility and higher short-term patency compared with the ePTFE grafts. Despite good early performances, profound study should be designed for long-term evaluation.

Laparoscopic hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion a new minimally invasive approach for HILP

BACKGROUND

Hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion (HILP) represents a limb-sparing treatment for unresectable soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of the extremities with substantial complete response rates. HILP often provides good functional limb preservation, hence a significant improvement also in terms of quality of life of the patient. Notwithstanding these clear advantages, the traditional technique is still hindered by relatively high post-operative morbidity.

METHOD

We treated a 78-year-old female with unresectable angiosarcoma of the left leg using a new surgical approach: an entirely laparoscopic HILP.

RESULTS

No conversion from laparoscopic to "open" surgery was necessary. Since no abdominal muscle section was performed, post-operative pain was low and easily manageable; early mobilisation and early discharge were achieved. Patient developed moderate toxicity, which resolved spontaneously within 3-4 weeks, with complete return to normal daily activities after 30 d. Complete clinical response with preservation of leg function was obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe for the first time an entirely laparoscopic HILP. Demonstration of this technique's efficacy and safety on a large series of patients is clearly necessary but its therapeutic efficacy appears to be comparable to the standard technique. Furthermore, laparoscopic HILP has shown low post-operative morbidity: no wound complications, mild and easily manageable post-operative pain and early discharge from the hospital and early resuming of daily activities.