Questions of tactics and choice of surgery in gastroduodenal hemorrhage

The authors analysed 368 clinical cases with gastroduodenal hemorrhages. The changes in blood microcirculation and nonspecific immunity were studied in 62 patients. They proposed a method of complex nonoperative treatment of gastrointestinal hemorrhages, including ganglionic block, which made it possible not only to reduce the operative activity but also to achieve epithelialization of ulcers in patients with peptic ulcer. As the result of the study, a unique classification of the severity of blood loss is suggested which is based on the degree of deviation off the tests studied from the normal values. If gastroduodenal hemorrhage continues, an operation is recommended, the character of which is determined by the patient's age, the severity of blood loss, and the source of bleeding and its localization.     

Predicting the recurrence of hemorrhage in patients with peptic ulcer

In order to prognoze recurrent bleedings during the nearest time after admission to the hospital the authors have analyzed the most frequently used objective data on patients with gastro-duodenal hemorrhages (the activity and intensity of bleeding, size and character of the ulcer, duration and severity of blood loss). A rule for prognozing recurrent bleedings is proposed.     

BioGlue surgical adhesive for thoracic aortic repair during coagulopathy: efficacy and histopathology

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that induction of coagulopathy in sheep would model clinical needle hole and surgical bleeding from synthetic graft anastomoses, and that a new tissue bioadhesive (BioGlue) would control postoperative blood loss during surgical repair of the thoracic aorta. METHODS: Sheep were anticoagulated with aspirin and heparin. A bypass was made using end-to-side anastomoses of a graft to a partially occluded descending thoracic aorta. Experimental anastomoses (EXP, n = 9) were treated with BioGlue, and control anastomoses (CON, n = 5) were treated with Surgicel to gain intraoperative hemostasis. RESULTS: EXP animals exhibited significantly reduced postsurgical bleeding (CON median 955 mL versus EXP median 470 mL, p < 0.003), a reduced rate of blood loss over the first 2 postoperative hours (CON median 210 mL/hr versus EXP median 92.5 mL/hr, p < 0.006), and over the entire recovery period (CON median 158 mL/hr versus EXP median 86 mL/hr, p < 0.05), and reduced total blood loss (CON mean 1,497 +/- 691 mL versus EXP mean 668 +/- 285 mL, p < 0.008). On histologic examination of tissues explanted after 3 months, BioGlue was relatively inert and demonstrated a minimal inflammatory response. CONCLUSIONS: The use of BioGlue significantly reduced the volume and rate of postsurgical bleeding in a coagulopathic sheep model for thoracic aortic operations. Histopathologically, BioGlue generated only a minimal inflammatory response. This new surgical tissue bioadhesive should prove extremely beneficial for coagulopathic patients undergoing thoracic aortic or vascular procedures.     

Modified rapid deployment hemostat bandage reduces blood loss and mortality in coagulopathic pigs with severe liver injury

BACKGROUND: Hemostasis can be difficult to achieve after blunt abdominal trauma, especially if the patient is coagulopathic. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently approved a hemostatic dressing for treating bleeding after extremity trauma (RDH bandage; Marine Polymer Technologies, Cambridge, MA). It has not been evaluated for internal bleeding after trauma. We redesigned this dressing for internal use, and then tested whether this modified bandage (Miami-modified Rapid Deployment Hemostat) could achieve hemostasis when used as an adjunct to standard laparotomy pad packing in a pig model of severe liver injury with coagulopathy. METHODS: Anesthetized swine (35-45 kg) received an isovolemic 45% blood volume replacement with refrigerated Hextend (6% hetastarch). Core body temperature was maintained at 33-34 degrees C with intra-abdominal ice packs. A coagulopathic condition was documented by thromboelastography. At this point a severe liver injury was induced by the avulsion of the left lateral hepatic lobe, then the pigs were randomized to treatment with either standard abdominal packing (control) or packing plus Miami-modified Rapid Deployment Hemostat. Two series of experiments were conducted. In series one (n = 14), the abdomen was closed and the animals were observed with no resuscitation. After one hour, the abdomen was opened, the packing was removed and the presence of bleeding was noted. In series two (n = 10), the abdomen was closed and the animal resuscitated with one unit of blood plus as much lactated Ringers intravenous fluid (IVF) as required to maintain a mean arterial pressure (MAP) > 70 mm Hg. After one hour, the packing was removed, the abdomen closed, and data were collected for an additional two hours. RESULTS: Series one: 6/7 animals in the control group had continued bleeding at one hour; 1/7 animals in the treatment group had active bleeding (p = 0.0291). Series two: With control vs. Miami-modified Rapid Deployment Hemostat, the three-hour survival was zero vs. 80% (p = 0.0476). The total blood loss was 1.2 +/- 0.1 vs. 0.3 +/- 0.1 mL/kg/min (p = 0.001) and the IVF requirement was 1.6 +/- 0.3 vs. 0.6 +/- 0.3 mL/kg/min (p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: The Miami-modified Rapid Deployment Hemostat bandage significantly reduced mortality, blood loss, and fluid requirements when used as an adjunct to standard abdominal packing following severe liver injury in coagulopathic pigs [corrected].     

Cerebral hemispherectomy in infants and young children

Background: Children with seizure disorders unresponsive to medical management may undergo surgical disconnection of a cerebral hemisphere, or hemispherectomy, in order to reduce or eliminate seizures. Because early cessation of seizures is thought to improve developmental outcomes, infants and young children with intractable seizures are undergoing hemispherectomies with increasing frequency. Previously, these procedures have been noted to be accompanied by severe cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurologic and coagulopathic complications. Newer surgical techniques (i.e. ‘functional’ rather than ‘anatomic’ hemispherectomy) and improved anesthetic management may reduce the perioperative complication rate of this procedure. The aim of this case series was to determine the incidence of major complication of functional hemispherectomy in our institution. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of all children <3 years of age undergoing functional hemispherectomies for intractable seizures over a 4‐year period at our institution. Results: Seven children were identified. No serious cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurologic or coagulopathic adverse events occurred. Perioperative blood loss and its sequelae were the most common complication. Postoperative management was generally uncomplicated, although one patient required readmission to the ICU for treatment of diabetes insipidus. All children survived and, at latest follow‐up, all but one remained seizure‐free. Conclusion: This small case series suggests that improvements in anesthetic and surgical techniques may be associated with a decreased complication rate for infants and small children undergoing seizure surgery than previously reported.     

Intravenous rFVIIa administered for hemorrhage control in hypothermic coagulopathic swine with grade V liver injuries

BACKGROUND: Intravenous administration of recombinant activated human clotting factor VII (rFVIIa) has been used successfully to prevent bleeding in hemophilia patients undergoing elective surgery, but not in previously normal trauma patients. This study was conducted to determine whether rFVIIa was a useful adjunct to gauze packing for decreasing blood loss from grade V liver injuries in hypothermic and coagulopathic swine. METHODS: All animals (n = 10, 35 +/- 2 kg) underwent a 60% isovolemic exchange transfusion with 6% hydroxyethyl starch and were cooled to 33 degrees C core temperature. The swine then received a grade V liver injury and 30 seconds later, either 180 microg/kg rFVIIa, or saline control. All animals were gauze packed 30 seconds after injury and resuscitated 5.5 minutes after injury with lactated Ringer's solution to their preinjury mean arterial pressure. Posttreatment blood loss, mean arterial pressure, resuscitation volume, and clotting studies were monitored for 1 hour. Histology of lung, kidney, and small bowel were obtained to evaluate for the presence of microvascular thrombi. RESULTS: At the time of injury, core temperature was 33.3 degrees +/- 0.4 degrees C, hemoglobin was 6 +/- 0.7 g/dL, prothrombin time was 19.1 +/- 1.0 seconds, activated partial thromboplastin time was 29.0 +/- 4.8 seconds, fibrinogen was 91 +/- 20 mg/dL, and platelets were 221 +/- 57 x 105/mL, with no differences between groups (p > 0.05). Clotting factor levels confirmed a coagulopathy at the preinjury point. The posttreatment blood loss was less (p < 0.05) in group 1 (527 +/- 323 mL), than in group 2 (976 +/- 573 mL). The resuscitation volume was not different (p > 0.05). One-hour survival in both groups was 100%. Compared with the control group, rFVIIa increased the circulating levels of VIIa and, despite hypothermia, shortened the prothrombin time 5 minutes after injection (p < 0.05). Laboratory evaluation revealed no systemic activation of the clotting cascade. Postmortem evaluation revealed no evidence of large clots in the hepatic veins or inferior vena cava, or microscopic thrombi in lung, kidney, or small intestine. CONCLUSION: rFVIIa reduced blood loss and restored abnormal coagulation function when used in conjunction with liver packing in hypothermic and coagulopathic swine. No adverse effects were identified.     

Modified rapid deployment hemostat bandage terminates bleeding in coagulopathic patients with severe visceral injuries

BACKGROUND: We recently reported that a new dressing, the Modified Rapid Deployment Hemostat (MRDH) controlled bleeding in hypothermic coagulopathic swine after traumatic liver avulsion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the MRDH in coagulopathic trauma patients undergoing abbreviated laparotomy. METHODS: A prospective, observational clinical trial of the MRDH dressing was performed at our Level One Trauma Center in patients with high-grade visceral injuries with coagulopathy who failed conventional therapy and required packing. Attending surgeons graded the injury and the adequacy of hemostasis following application of the dressing. Patients were followed until discharge or death. RESULTS: Ten patients were enrolled: nine severe hepatic injuries, and one major abdominal vascular injury. All patients were hypothermic, acidotic, and clinically coagulopathic. Intraoperative hemostasis was immediately obtained after MRDH placement in all cases except one. There was one death. CONCLUSION: The Modified Rapid Deployment Hemostat terminates bleeding from severe visceral injuries in coagulopathic patients undergoing abbreviated laparotomy.     

不同肾结石评分系统在经皮肾镜取石术中的应用价值研究

目的 探讨Guy's分级系统、S.T.O.N.E.评分系统及SHA.LIN评分系统在经皮肾镜取石术（PCNL）中的应用价值。方法 回顾性分析哈密红星医院2016年6月至2018年5月间行PCNL治疗的142例肾结石患者的临床资料,按照Guy's分级系统、S.T.O.N.E.评分系统及SHA.LIN评分系统分别对患者的术前结石特征进行量化分级和评分,分析并比较三种评分系统与结石清除率、围手术期并发症及手术时间等因素之间的关系。结果 患者结石清除率为66.9% (95/142),43例(30.3%)出现围手术期并发症。三种评分系统与术后结石清除率、术中出血量及手术时间均具有相关性（P<0.05）,仅SHA.LIN评分系统与预测出血量有相关性（P=0.023）。Guy's分级系统、S.T.O.N.E.评分系统及SHA.LIN评分系统的受试者工作特征曲线的曲线下面积分别为0.742、0.828、0.894。结论 三种肾结石评分系统均具有完善病情评估的能力,三种评分系统与术后结石清除率、术中出血量及手术时间均具有相关性,而SHA.LIN评分系统在预测出血量方面优于Guy's分级系统和S.T.O.N.E.评分系统。     

经尿道前列腺电切术1370例手术体会

目的总结1370例经尿道前列腺电切术经验,提高手术疗效。方法回顾性分析1998年7月至2012年3月期间我院收治1370例BPH患者行TURP术的临床资料。年龄58～99岁,平均（67．4±5．5）岁。前列腺体积21～85ml,平均（53±4．4）ml。详细记录手术时间、术中出血量、术后留置尿管时间及手术并发症,统计并分析手术前后国际前列腺症状评分（IPSS）、生活质量评分（QOL）及残余尿量（Ruv）等指标。结果1370例患者中,成功施行TURP术1367例,中转开放手术3例。手术时间25～93min,平均（52．0±6．4）min。术中出血量30～800ml,平均（120．0±8．8）ml,输血12例。术后留置尿管2～9d,平均（4．5±1．1）d。术后随访3个月,IPSS、QOL及RUV与术前比较有统计学差异。术中水中毒1例,术后迟发性出血18例,暂时性尿失禁11例,尿道狭窄26例。结论TURP术具有创伤小、疗效好,安全有效,并发症少等的优点,充分的围手术期准备是手术顺利实施和减少并发症的重要保证,值得临床推广。     

Influence of heparin dosage on hemostasis under combined use of nafamostat mesilate during deep hypothemic circulatory arrest

Objective: Nafamostat mesilate (NM) is a guanidine acid derivative which is synthesized in Japan as an antifibrinolytic drug. It has been successfully used to decrease blood loss and blood product requirement in cardiac operations. As there have been some reports that insufficient heparinization might induce the coagulopathic state in aprotinin-treated patients undergoing deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest (DHCA), we have reviewed 16 consecutive patients who underwent total aortic arch replacement using DHCA and the associated use of NM. Methods: The patients were divided into two groups; a Normaldosage Group(n=8) who received 3 mg/kg of heparin, and a Low-dosage Group (n=8) who received 1.5 mg/kg of heparin. The Celite-activating clotting time was maintained at longer than 1,000 seconds in both groups. Blood loss, transfusion requirements and the volume of postoperative mediastinal tube drainage were compared between the two groups. Results: We observed no adverse effects of NM and no significant difference in transfusion requirements between both groups. There was a significant diffierence in blood loss during the operation between the two groups (p<0.05) (Low-dosage Group 1,973±959 ml vs Normal-dosage Group 1,059±704ml). Conclusions: NM was a safe antifibrinolytic drug. Adequate heparinization was necessary to reduce hemorrhage in patients under going aortic arch replacement using DHCA and the associated use of NM.     

Apoplectic leiomyomas of the uterus. A clinicopathologic study of five distinctive hemorrhagic leiomyomas associated with oral contraceptive usage

Five histologically distinctive uterine smooth muscle neoplasms with multifocal hemorrhages termed apoplectic leiomyomas were studied. All patients were found to have been taking a combination-type oral contraceptive hormonal medication containing the progestin norethindrone for 2-4 years. Abdominal pain was the most frequent presenting symptom. The tumors ranged in size from about 1.1 to 4 cm and had multiple gross hemorrhages. Microscopically, they were characterized by stellate zones of recent hemorrhage within nodules of hypercellular smooth muscle. Coagulative necrosis, as seen in "red degeneration," was inconspicuous. Mitotic figures were sparse, not exceeding 2/10 HPF, and were mostly located in the perihemorrhagic areas. Abnormal blood vessels of various sizes were frequent and may have led to the hemorrhages. No recurrences developed up to 12 years after operation. A causal relationship between apoplectic leiomyomas and oral contraceptive usage is strongly suggested. Recognition of their distinctive pathologic features will prevent misdiagnosis as leiomyosarcoma.     

Decreased Bleeding after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy with or without Duodenal Switch for Morbid Obesity using a Stapled Buttressed Absorbable Polymer Membrane

Background: Laparoscopically performed sleeve gastrectomy may be employed as an adjunct to biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS), to induce early satiety and weight loss in morbidly obese patients. Complications from this gastric procedure include staple-line leakage or hemorrhage. The efficacy of a staple-line buttressing material, an absorbable polymer membrane (Seamguard^?, Gore), in reducing these complications, was investigated. Methods: A prospective consecutive series of 20 patients who underwent a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in conjunction with BPD-DS were studied. In 10 patients, the absorbable polymer membrane was integrated into the gastric linear staple-line (group A). In a control group of 10 patients, a conventional linear stapling system was used (group B). The following data were recorded: demographics, intraoperative blood loss, staple-line leakage and hospital stay. Results: Demographic profile was similar in both groups. Operative data, including type, duration and strategy of operation as well as surgeon's experience were well matched. Peroperative blood loss (120 ml vs 210 ml) was significantly higher in group B (P <0.05). Median length of hospital stay was 3.8 days (range 2-8 days) in group A and 4.6 days (range 4-12 days) in group B. There was no mortality. Morbidity was encountered in 3 patients (all group B), including 2 staple-line hemorrhages (10%) and 1 subphrenic abscess (5%). Conclusion: These early results may show that Seamguard^? reduces staple-line hemorrhage and leakage. This may have contributed to shorter hospital stay, decreased costs and lower morbidity after laparoscopic bariatric surgery.     

The effect of recombinant factor VIIa on coagulopathic pigs with grade V liver injuries

BACKGROUND: Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) has been used to decrease bleeding in a number of settings including hemophilia, liver transplantation, intractable bleeding, and cirrhosis. Experience in the trauma setting is limited. This study was performed to determine whether rFVIIa would reduce bleeding after a grade V liver injury in hypothermic, dilutionally coagulopathic pigs when used as an adjunct to abdominal packing and to determine whether increasing the dose of the drug increased its hemostatic efficacy. METHODS: Thirty animals were randomized to receive 180 microg/kg of rFVIIa, 720 microg/kg of rFVIIa, or vehicle buffer control. After laparotomy and splenectomy, animals underwent a 60% blood volume isovolemic exchange transfusion with 5% human albumin. The animals' temperature was maintained at 33 degrees C and a standardized grade V liver injury was made with a liver clamp. Thirty seconds after injury, the abdomen was packed with laparotomy sponges, resuscitation was initiated, and blinded therapy was given. Animals were resuscitated to their baseline mean arterial pressure and the study was continued for 2 hours. Serial coagulation parameters were measured at the temperature they were drawn. After the study period, surviving animals were killed, posttreatment blood loss was measured, and an autopsy was performed. RESULTS: Ten animals were randomized to each group. After administration of study drug, factor VII clotting activity (FVII:C) was higher in the 720 microg/kg group than in the 180 microg/kg group (p < 0.01). FVII:C was higher in both treatment groups than in the control group (p < 0.01). The mean prothrombin time was shorter in the treatment groups than in the control group (p < 0.05). Mean arterial pressure was lower in the control group than in the treatment groups throughout the study (p < 0.01). Mean blood loss was less in the treatment groups than in the control group (p = 0.03). Mortality was not different between groups. There were no differences between the groups that received rFVIIa in any measured parameters except for FVII:C. Liver injuries were similar between groups and there was no evidence of microthrombosis on lung histology. CONCLUSION: rFVIIa reduces blood loss in hypothermic, dilutionally coagulopathic pigs with grade V injuries when used as an adjunct to packing. Increasing the dose does not enhance the hemostatic effect.     

Blood loss evaluation in children under the age of 11 with femoral shaft fractures patients with isolated versus multiple injuries

BACKGROUND: Blood loss from non-cavitary hemorrhages is a significant source of hypovolemic shock in trauma patients. It has been reported that pediatric femoral fractures do not cause excess blood loss if there is no additional injury or trauma. The purpose of this study was to define the magnitude of blood loss resulting from pediatric femoral fractures and the factors influencing the loss. METHODS: Twenty children under the age of 11 with femoral shaft fractures were included in this study. The patients' data were collected prospectively for 2 years. Hemoglobin concentrations, hematocrit levels, emergency room records, and clinical findings were evaluated and additional injuries were considered. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The patients with additional trauma showed significant decreases in both hemoglobin concentrations and hematocrit levels, comparison with the patients who had only isolated femoral fractures. If there is an obvious decrease in hematocrit and/or hemoglobin concentration in a child with a femoral fracture, the possibility of additional injuries should be investigated.     

Packing and re-exploration for patients with nonhepatic injuries.

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 11 patients admitted to the trauma service at Kings County Hospital who underwent packing and temporary closure for severe nonhepatic injuries. The mean ISS was 37 and the mean Abdominal Trauma Index value was 48. Operative findings included 17 major vascular injuries. Although the mean blood pressure was 105 mm Hg during the procedure, the patients required an average of 17 units of blood and all were acidotic, hypothermic, and coagulopathic. Acidosis persisted in all patients and the mean base excess was -13 at closure. A conscious decision was made to terminate the procedure when surgical bleeding was controlled. Patients were resuscitated and warmed in the ICU and returned to the operating room within 48 hours. Seven of the 11 patients survived. Of the eight patients who survived to return to the operating room, all required gastrointestinal procedures at re-exploration. This preliminary experience supports packing to control coagulopathic bleeding, use of temporary abdominal closure, and further ICU resuscitation with a planned second laparotomy for definitive management of gastrointestinal injuries in patients with severe nonhepatic injuries.     

髓内固定治疗老年股骨转子间骨折的失血量分析

目的对接受髓内固定治疗的老年股骨转子间骨折围手术期失血量进行临床分析,探讨失血相关因素。方法回顾性分析2009年12月至2011年12月采用股骨髓内固定治疗的73例股骨转子间骨折患者的临床资料,对患者年龄、性别、身高、体重、骨折类型、手术时间、手术前后血常规以及术中、术后出血进行分析。结果73例患者术中平均失血72．4ml,术中均未输血,术后平均隐性失血量为312ml,占围手术期出血的81％。年龄、性别之间差异无统计学意义,手术时间不超过45min组可减少术中失血量及隐洼失血量,差异有统计学意义;骨折严重组可增加术中出血量,差异有统计学意义;肥胖组可增加围手术期出血量及隐性出血量,差异有统计学意义。结论髓内固定治疗老年股骨转子间骨折术中出血量少,术后的隐性失血量较多,肥胖、严重骨折及长时间手术可以增加出血,应严格监测患者的生命体征和及时复查血常规以减少贫血导致的并发症。     

抑肽酶联合控制性降压在脊柱手术中的应用

目的 探讨抑肽酶联合控制性降压在脊柱手术中应用的血液保护效应.方法 45例择期行脊柱手术患者,随机均分为抑肽酶联合控制性降压组(联合组)、单纯控制性降压组(降压组)和对照组.分别在术前、术毕、术后24 h抽血检测血常规和凝血功能.比较三组患者手术失血量、输血量和凝血功能变化.结果 联合组与降压组手术失血量、输血量、术后24 h切口引流量均较对照组明显下降(P<0.01),联合组上述指标低于降压组(P<0.05).与对照组和降压组比较,联合组术后部分凝血活酶时间(APTT)延长(P<0.01),纤维蛋白原(Fib)值偏高(P<0.05).结论 抑肽酶联合控制性降压可明显减少脊柱手术的失血量和异体血的输入量.     

Point-of-Care Testing: A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial of Efficacy in Coagulopathic Cardiac Surgery Patients

INTRODUCTION:: The current investigation aimed to study the efficacy of hemostatic therapy guided either by conventional coagulation analyses or point-of-care (POC) testing in coagulopathic cardiac surgery patients. METHODS:: Patients undergoing complex cardiac surgery were assessed for eligibility. Those patients in whom diffuse bleeding was diagnosed after heparin reversal or increased blood loss during the first 24 postoperative hours were enrolled and randomized to the conventional or POC group. Thromboelastometry and whole blood impedance aggregometry have been performed in the POC group. The primary outcome variable was the number of transfused units of packed erythrocytes during the first 24 h after inclusion. Secondary outcome variables included postoperative blood loss, use and costs of hemostatic therapy, and clinical outcome parameters. Sample size analysis revealed a sample size of at least 100 patients per group. RESULTS:: There were 152 patients who were screened for eligibility and 100 patients were enrolled in the study. After randomization of 50 patients to each group, a planned interim analysis revealed a significant difference in erythrocyte transfusion rate in the conventional compared with the POC group [5 (4;9) versus 3 (2;6) units [median (25 and 75 percentile)], P < 0.001]. The study was terminated early. The secondary outcome parameters of fresh frozen plasma and platelet transfusion rates, postoperative mechanical ventilation time, length of intensive care unit stay, composite adverse events rate, costs of hemostatic therapy, and 6-month mortality were lower in the POC group. CONCLUSIONS:: Hemostatic therapy based on POC testing reduced patient exposure to allogenic blood products and provided significant benefits with respect to clinical outcomes.     

Management of bleeding and coagulopathy after heart surgery

Mechanisms of bleeding common to virtually all patients after heart surgery are platelet dysfunction, enhanced fibrinolysis, dilution of all components of the coagulation system, and the presence of heparin and protamine. The use of warfarin is increasing in patients with heart disease requiring surgery. The replenishment of vitamin K-dependent factors beyond a normal prothrombin time is not assessable, and the dilution associated with cardiopulmonary bypass can reach coagulopathic levels. Optimal preoperative preparation is required and intraoperative therapy initiated when indicated. Individualized heparin and protamine dosing, antifibrinolytic drug administration, minimization of blood loss and dilution, and minimal time on cardiopulmonary bypass are basic adjuncts to meticulous surgical hemostasis. When bleeding is observed in the postoperative period, a sequential assessment of the probable cause leads to initial therapy while laboratory test results are obtained. Ongoing assessment for hemodynamic instability caused by accumulated mediastinal blood is needed while managing the bleeding patient. A chest radiograph and transesophageal echocardiogram can be useful in diagnosing cardiac tamponade.     

Thrombography reveals thrombin generation potential continues to deteriorate following cardiopulmonary bypass surgery despite adequate hemostasis

The intrinsic and extrinsic activation pathways of the hemostatic system converge when prothrombin is converted to thrombin. The ability to generate an adequate thrombin burst is the most central aspect of the coagulation cascade. The thrombin-generating potential in patients following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may be indicative of their hemostatic status. In this report, thrombography, a unique technique for directly measuring the potential of patients' blood samples to generate adequate thrombin bursts, is used to characterize the coagulopathic profile in post-CPB patients. Post-CPB hemostasis is typically achieved with protamine reversal of heparin anticoagulation and occasionally supplemented with blood product component transfusions. In this pilot study, platelet poor plasma samples were derived from 11 primary cardiac surgery patients at five time points: prior to CPB, immediately post-protamine, upon arrival to the intensive care unit (ICU), 3 hours post-ICU admission, and 24 hours after ICU arrival. Thrombography revealed that the Endogenous Thrombin Potential (ETP) was not different between [Baseline] and [PostProtamine] but proceeded to deteriorate in the immediate postoperative period. At the [3HourPostICU] time point, the ETP was significantly lower than the [Baseline] values, 1233 +/- 591 versus 595 +/- 379 nM.min (mean +/- SD; n=9, p < .005), despite continued adequacy of hemostasis. ETPs returned to baseline values the day after surgery. Transfusions received, conventional blood coagulation testing results, and blood loss volumes are also presented. Despite adequate hemostasis, thrombography reveals an underlying coagulopathic process that could put some cardiac surgical patients at risk for postoperative bleeding. Thrombography is a novel technique that could be developed into a useful tool for perfusionists and physicians to identify coagulopathies and optimize blood management following CPB.