The Journal of extra-corporeal technology
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J Extra Corpor Technol · Mar 2005
Is platelet function as measured by Thrombelastograph monitoring in whole blood affected by platelet inhibitors?
Platelet inhibitors, especially the glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists, have demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing the acute ischemic complications of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and in improving clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary crisis. Three common platelet inhibitors observed in emergent cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for failed PCI are abciximab, eptifibatide, and tirofiban. An in vitro model was constructed in two parts to determine whether platelet aggregation inhibition induced by platelet inhibitors would be demonstrated by the Thrombelastograph (TEG) monitor when compared with baseline samples with no platelet inhibitor. ⋯ Samples treated with abciximab were comparable to control values for all parameters measured. Although statistical significance could be demonstrated with some parameters, sensitivity was only observed at increased doses and was not seen with all agents tested. In our in vitro model, the TEG monitor was unable to demonstrate clinically significant differences in platelet function and may not be reflective of platelet function in samples which have been treated with these GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors.
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J Extra Corpor Technol · Mar 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialTemperature inaccuracies during cardiopulmonary bypass.
Cerebral hyperthermia caused by perfusate temperature greater than 37 degrees C during the rewarming phase of CPB has been linked to postoperative neurologic deficits. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of the coupled temperature measurement system and the CDI 500 arterial temperature sensor. Seventeen patients undergoing CPB were divided into four groups, each with a different temperature probe coupled to the oxygenator. ⋯ The accuracy of the CDI temperature drastically improved when the flow-through the sensor was increased to approximately 400 mL/min. Thus, the perfusionist must ensure adequate flow through the sensor in order for the temperature mechanism to function properly. Finally, the perfusionist can prevent cerebral hyperthermia by not allowing water temperature to exceed 37 degrees C, when using a coupled temperature measurement system.
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J Extra Corpor Technol · Mar 2005
Quantifying platelet gel coagulation using Sonoclot and Thrombelastograph hemostasis analyzer.
Little in vitro research exists discussing platelet gel composition and the resulting strength and degradation characteristics using point-of-care technologies. There must be a quantifiable way of determining the structural integrity of the resulting formed platelet gel thrombus. The Thrombelastograph Hemostasis Analyzer (TEG) and Sonoclot measure the elasticity of a clot as it forms and subsequently degrades naturally. ⋯ However, technology to quantify platelet gels must first be standardized. On the basis of the data collected in this study, it was determined that the TEG and the Sonoclot are not equally capable of analyzing platelet gel clots. The TEG is a valid means for analysis, whereas the Sonoclot provided unreliable analysis based on a Chi-squared test.
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J Extra Corpor Technol · Mar 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialClinical evaluation of poly(2-methoxyethylacrylate) in primary coronary artery bypass grafting.
In an attempt to make cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) less traumatic for patients undergoing cardiac surgery, extracorporeal circuits (ECC) have been modified to achieve this goal. Poly(2-methoxyethylacrylate) (PMEA, X-coating) is a new polymer coating used in the ECC. PMEA studies have shown excellent biocompatibility with the components of blood. ⋯ The authors evaluated PMEA-coating by measuring clinical outcomes, such as ventilation time, ICU and hospital lengths of stay, and homologous blood utilization. PMEA patients trended towards less homologous blood transfusions, which helped save an average of $83.41 per patient. Further clinical studies are needed to evaluate the benefits of this new polymer coating.
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J Extra Corpor Technol · Mar 2005
ReviewCardiopulmonary bypass in patients with pre-existing coagulopathy.
Patients with pre-existing coagulopathies who undergo surgical interventions are at increased risk for bleeding complications. This risk is especially true in cardiac surgical procedures with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) because of the necessity for heparinization and the use of the extracorporeal circuits, which have destructive effects on most of the blood components. In this review, cases of cardiac surgeries in patients with certain pre-existing coagulopathies are summarized, which could shed a light on future managements of such patients undergoing cardiac procedures with CPB. ⋯ Management of patients undergoing cardiac procedures should include a routine coagulation work-up and a thorough past medical history examination. If any of the foregoing is abnormal, further evaluation is warranted. Proper diagnosis and management of the pre-existing coagulopathy disorders is of crucial importance to the surgical outcome and long-term morbidity.