The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Oct 1985
Cryoprecipitate-topical thrombin glue. Initial experience in patients undergoing cardiac operations.
The use of fibrin glues as topical hemostatic agents is reported in the European literature. We have composed an analogous compound in our operating rooms using cryoprecipitate and topical thrombin (1000 units/ml) in equal volumes applied directly to the bleeding site. We have used cryoprecipitate-topical thrombin glue in 26 patients undergoing cardiac operations. ⋯ In 16 patients followed for 9 to 12 months postoperatively, no hepatitis has occurred. The highly concentrated fibrinogen in cryoprecipitate is activated by thrombin to form fibrin and bring about rapid hemostasis. Cryoprecipitate-topical thrombin glue is a readily available, reliable, and inexpensive topical hemostatic agent in the patient undergoing a cardiac operation.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Oct 1985
Results of reoperation for primary tissue failure of porcine bioprostheses.
Results of reoperation for primary tissue failure of porcine bioprostheses were evaluated in 574 patients discharged from the hospital from 1970 to 1981. A total of 413 had undergone isolated mitral valve replacement and 161 isolated aortic valve replacement. Through March, 1984, 88 patients (15%) had required reoperation: 59 had undergone mitral and 29, aortic valve replacement. ⋯ Bioprosthetic failure was caused by an intracuspal hematoma in one patient with mitral valve replacement and by lipid infiltration of the cusps in one patient with aortic valve replacement. Actuarial freedom from bioprosthetic primary tissue failure at 12 years is 61% +/- 5% for the mitral group and 69% +/- 7% for the aortic group. On the basis of our long-term follow-up of patients after mitral or aortic replacement with a porcine bioprosthesis, we conclude: primary tissue failure is the most frequent indication for reoperation in patients with a porcine bioprosthesis; calcification of the cusp tissue is the leading cause of primary tissue failure; reoperation for primary tissue failure may be a major concern, although mortality for elective cases is low; and the limited durability of porcine bioprostheses suggests their use be restricted to selected patients.