Effect of the administration of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa; NovoSeven) in the management of severe uncontrolled bleeding in patients undergoing heart valve replacement surgery.

Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa; NovoSeven, Novo Nordisk A/S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) is being increasingly used to secure haemostasis in difficult clinical situations. The role of rFVIIa in the treatment of patients undergoing open-heart surgery for valvular heart disease was evaluated in an open pilot study. Study objectives included evaluation of blood loss, haemostatic effect and safety and laboratory parameters following rFVIIa administration.

Continuous subcutaneous pethidine for routine postoperative analgesia.

We consider that the present state of postoperative analgesia is unsatisfactory because drugs are given intermittently and usually only at the patients' request and with nurses' acquiescence. A procedure for routine continuous pethidine infusion, suitable for administration and control by the nursing staff is described. The results of a trial on patients after major surgery are summarised.