CABG without using heparin in a patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia

BACKGROUND: Despite the low incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis, these two syndromes are much disputed in life-threatening conditions especially in cardiovascular surgery where heparin is routinely used. Nowadays a pharmacological agent that can exactly replace heparin does not exist. Many of the drugs called "alternative drugs to heparin" are associated with a high risk of hemorrhagic complications and an increased need of blood transfusions. Neither the use of heparin nor "alternative drugs to heparin" may be the best way to revascularize a patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. METHODS: Coronary artery bypass grafting without using heparin was performed in a 62-year-old male patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. He received clopidogrel and acethyl salicylic acid for 2 days before operation. He was operated off-pump using special maneuvers. RESULTS: He was discharged on postoperative day 5 after an uneventful course and is doing well in the sixth month postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: According to our investigations in English literature, this surgical technique and coronary artery bypass grafting without using heparin is firstly described in this article. Increasing the number of cases will show the reliability and safety of this method.     

Intravesical heparin and peripheral neuromodulation on interstitial cystitis

INTRODUCTION: We wanted to evaluate the therapeutic effect of intravesical heparin and peripheral neuromodulation on patients with interstitial cystitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2002 to August 2003, 8 female and 2 male subjects conform to the NIDDK criteria and not responsive to the previous conventional treatments were included in the study. Wisconsin pain scores, maximal cystometric capacities, and night and day voiding frequencies were determined and these studies were repeated in the 2nd and 12th months of the treatment with 10,000 units intravesical heparin and peripheral neuromodulation. Frequency of the treatment was once a week during first 8 weeks, once in 2 weeks in the following 8 weeks, and once in 3 weeks four times. Then, it was decreased to once a month. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 13 months (12-16 months). Day and night voiding frequency were significantly better in the 2nd and 12th months, when compared to pretreatment values. The Wisconsin pain scores were 62.5 +/- 13.9% and 62.8 +/- 15.2% in the 2nd and the 12th months, respectively. The average increase in the maximum cystometric capacity was 54.8 +/- 27.4% and 52.5 +/- 31.6% in the 2nd and the 12th months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Intravesical heparin and peripheral neuromodulation combination seems to be an alternative for patients with interstitial cystitis not responsive to other treatments.