Closed, phosphorylcholine-coated circuit and reduction of systemic heparinization for cardiopulmonary bypass: The intraoperative ECMO concept

Cardiopulmonary bypass with heparin-bonded circuits reduces systemic heparinization which is associated to a better clinical outcome in cardiac operations. In the present study, a novel biocompatible treatment, based on a phosphorylcholine coating without heparin, has been used to reduce systemic heparinization during cardiopulmonary bypass. Sixty patients underwent coronary revascularization with a fully phosphorylcholine-coated circuit. The circuit was entirely closed; suctions from the field were separated during the cardiopulmonary bypass time. A low systemic heparinization protocol based on half the loading dose of heparin (150 lU/kg) and a target activated clotting time of 320 seconds was applied. No thrombus formation inside the extracorporeal circulation circuit occurred; in-hospital mortality was absent. One patient (1.6%) had a postoperative myocardial infarction and 2 (3.3%) were surgically revised due to bleeding. Homologous blood transfusion rate was 11.6%, postoperative bleeding was 310 ± 13...