Retransfusion of pericardial blood does not trigger systemic coagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass.

Objective: During cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), systemic coagulation is believed to become activated by blood contact with the extracorporeal circuit and by retransfusion of pericardial blood. To which extent retransfusion activates systemic coagulation, however, is unknown. We investigated to which extent retransfusion of pericardial blood triggers systemic coagulation during CPB.

Adhesion of thrombotic components to the surface of a clinically used oxygenator is not affected by Trillium coating.

The Trillium coating is designed to minimize adsorption of protein and the attachment of cells and other particles. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of surface coating on the adhesion of thrombotic components (activated platelets, white blood cells and fibrin) to the surface of a clinically used oxygenator. Twenty patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were randomized to one of the two oxygenator groups: non-coated (NC, n = 10) or Trillium-coated (TC, n = 10).

Generation of platelet-derived microparticles in patients undergoing cardiac surgery is not affected by complement activation.

Objective: The mechanisms causing the presence of platelet-derived microparticles in the circulation are unknown. In vitro platelets release platelet-derived microparticles in response to complement activation. This study evaluates the relationship between complement activation and levels of circulating platelet-derived microparticles in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.