Heparinized Cardiopulmonary Bypass Circuits and Low Systemic Anticoagulation: An Analysis of Nearly 6000 Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Heparin coating of cardiopulmonary bypass circuits reduces the inflammatory response and increases the thromboresistance during extracorporeal circulation. These properties enables a lower systemic heparin dose, which has been shown to reduce the need for blood transfusions. Experience with this technique accumulated over 11 years has been analyzed.