Thrombelastography-Directed Transfusion in Cardiac Surgery: Impact on Postoperative Outcomes.

Background: Transfusion of allogenic blood products is associated with substantial morbidity and increased risk of mortality. Thrombelastography (TEG) to direct transfusion management during and immediately after cardiothoracic surgery reduced blood product usage in our institution. The goal of this study was to quantify the impact of TEG on postoperative outcomes.

TEG-Directed Transfusion in Complex Cardiac Surgery: Impact on Blood Product Usage.

Complex cardiac procedures often require blood transfusion because of surgical bleeding or coagulopathy. Thrombelastography (TEG) was introduced in our institution to direct transfusion management in cardiothoracic surgery. The goal of this study was to quantify the effect of TEG on transfusion rates peri- and postoperatively.