1.
Pre-filling of the extracorporeal circuit with autologous blood is safe, but not effective in optimizing biocompatibility in high-risk patients
Kiessling AH, Wedde S, Keller H, Reyher C, Stock U, Beiras-Fernandez A, Moritz A
Perfusion. 2012;27((5):):371-7.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Haemodilution resulting from crystalloid priming of the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit represents a major risk factor for blood transfusions in high-risk cardiac surgery patients. We designed this study to evaluate the effects of antegrade autologous priming (AAP) on reducing perioperative blood transfusion and markers of the inflammatory response in older patients (>75 years). METHODS Seventy-two patients undergoing first-time coronary bypass and/or aortic valve replacement were prospectively randomised to a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with or without AAP. AAP was performed by adding the patient's own blood to the prime solution (mean 280 ml). Perfusion and anaesthetic techniques were as usual. The haematocrit was maintained at a minimum of 21% during CPB. Patients were well matched for all preoperative variables, including established transfusion risk factors. The primary endpoint was the requirement of red cell transfusion. The surrogate endpoints were renal function, inflammatory response and ischaemic parameters. Blood samples were drawn pre- and intraoperatively and at intervals of 6 hours till POD 6. RESULTS Current analysis shows no differences in patients receiving homologous packed red cell transfusions. Also, markers of the inflammatory response (IL6, IL8), renal function (cystatin C, creatinine) and myocardial ischaemia (troponin T, CK-MB) were comparable in both groups (p>0.05). Clinical outcomes were similar with respect to pulmonary, renal and hepatic function, length of ICU stay and hospital stay. CONCLUSION These data suggest that antegrade autologous priming is a safe procedure, but an ineffective way for improving biocompatibility and reducing the need for blood transfusion in older patients.
2.
Topical application of aprotinin in cardiac surgery
Isgro F, Stanisch O, Kiessling AH, Gurler S, Hellstern P, Saggau W
Perfusion. 2002;17((5):):347-51.
Abstract
The aim of our study was to compare a systemic and a local aprotinin application in patients during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The advantage of a topical aprotinin application is seen in the fact that this may not lead to systemic side effects. A prospective, randomized study comprising 97 patients was conducted. A dose of 5 x 10(6) KIU aprotinin was given systemically to 49 patients and four doses of 1.25 x 10(6) KIU aprotinin were applied topically to 48 patients by spraying the substance on the target area (A. mammaria interna region and pericardium). We determined markers for the inflammatory response, coagulation system, standard haematological markers and postoperative complications. Exclusion criteria were defined as surgical bleeding, redo operations, neurological, haematological, liver and kidney disorders. Sex, age, perfusion times, mortality, renal failure and strokes were identical in both groups. Biochemical markers and clinical outcome demonstrated no significant differences between the systemic and local applications. Interleukin 6 and elastase were tendentially higher (p = 0.1) in the local group, but with a high standard deviation in each patient. Our results suggest that there is no difference between the perioperative application of 5 x 10(6) KIU systemically given aprotinin and 1.25 x 10(6) KIU locally applied aprotinin.
3.
Cell saver, ultrafiltration and direct transfusion: comparative study of three blood processing techniques
Eichert I, Isgro F, Kiessling AH, Saggau W
Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgeon. 2001;49((3):):149-52.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intraoperative blood salvage is an important part of blood conservation efforts in cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of three different circuit blood-salvaging techniques: centrifugation, ultrafiltration and direct infusion. METHODS Sixty patients undergoing elective coronary bypass graft procedures were randomly assigned in a prospective manner to one of the three blood-salvaging methods. RESULTS Intra- and postoperative blood samples demonstrated increased hemoglobin values in the direct infusion group and higher platelet count in the ultrafiltration group. There were no significant differences in these results. The analysis of coagulation parameters revealed a similar prolongation of partial thromboplastin time and activated clotting time in all groups. The amount of blood loss was not significantly different between the three blood conservation methods. The effect of direct infusion method does not result in either major disturbance of coagulation parameters or in increased blood loss. CONCLUSION In a sample of adult patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, direct transfusion is, in consideration of the cost-effective factor, an appropriate approach for returning cardiopulmonary bypass circuit blood.