Epsilon-aminocaproic acid in coronary artery bypass graft surgery: preincision or postheparin?

Background: Epsilon-aminocaproic acid (epsilon-ACA), an antifibrinolytic agent, is used in cardiac surgery to decrease postoperative bleeding. Theoretical concerns exist about the potential for epsilon-ACA to contribute to thrombotic complications. For this reason epsilon-ACA administration is sometimes delayed until after heparinization.

Centrifugal versus roller head pumps for cardiopulmonary bypass: effect on early neuropsychologic outcomes after coronary artery surgery.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that routine use of a centrifugal pump in the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit would result in a lower incidence of early neuropsychologic deficit when compared with conventional roller pumps.

Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blind.

Setting: University teaching hospital.