The Uses of Fibrin Sealant in Cardiac Surgery

Fibrin sealant was applied during surgery for acquired heart disease for hemostasis on anastomoses, patches and suture lines and for epicardial fixation of artocoronary saphenous bypass grafts. A survey of various techniques of fibrin glue application is given with special regard to cardiac surgery. In 1983, fibrin sealant was used in 121 patients during surgery for acquired heart disease. Postoperatively, hepatitis B was observed in five cases and non A non B hepatitis in two cases; the total incidence of hepatitis being 5.8%. A causal relationship between the use of fibrin glue and the incidence of hepatitis seems to be very unlikely, as all seven patients had received blood transfusions and four of them had been given clotting factor concentrates. It is concluded, that, although fibrin glue cannot replace the surgical suture, it may decrease the risk of postoperative bleeding.