Changes in platelet aggregation during cardiopulmonary bypass: comparison of poly-2-methoxyethylacrylate and heparin as a circuit coating material

At present, there are various biomaterials that have high biocompatibility. In particular, there are many types of coated circuits in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) systems. However, only a few clinical studies have investigated platelet aggregation caused by these coated circuits. In this study, a CPB system coated with poly-2-methoxyethylacrylate (X coating) was used to ascertain whether platelet aggregation could be suppressed during CPB, and a comparison was made between X coating and ordinary (covalently bonded) heparin coating. The subjects were 19 adult patients who were scheduled to undergo valve replacement or valvuloplasty. They were divided into two groups: group X (X coating) and group H (heparin coating). The platelet aggregation threshold index (PATI, grading curve) and β-thromboglobulin and plalelet factor IV levels were assessed preoperatively (control), 5 min after heparin administration, 10 and 60 min after the start of CPB, and 0 and 2 h after the end of CPB. The results indicated that platelet aggregation was reduced during CPB and that platelets were activated. The changes in platelet aggregation associated with the X coating were shown to be similar to those associated with heparin coating.