Heparin removal in three intraoperative blood savers in cardiac surgery.

The aim of the study was to compare the residual heparin in the composition of autologous blood retransfusion units harvested during cardiac surgery under extra-corporeal circulation with three different intraoperative autologous blood savers. In this institutionally approved study, thirty patients undergoing CABG were randomly assigned to three groups according to the intraoperative blood saver used during the procedure: {HAEMONETICS Cell Saver IV (n=10)--DIDECO/SHILEY STAT (n=11)--BRAT 250 (n=9)}. Anaesthesia and conduct of bypass were identical for all patients. The initial heparin dose was 300IU-kg -1 and was supplemented to maintain an activated coagulation time over 480s. The harvested blood was processed according to the procedure defined by each equipment manufacturer. The biological study was performed on the first blood sediments sampled before administering protamine to the patient. Blood cell count, residual heparinemia assessed by its anti-Xa activity using an amidolytic method {STACHROM HEPARIN--DIAGNOSTICA STAGO}, and weight of the blood sediment proteins were determined. Demographic data did not differ between groups. Despite a slight but significant difference between groups, the three devices provided virtual elimination of heparin. The total protein content was significantly higher in the BRAT 250 group. There was a highly significant positive correlation between the anti-Xa activity and total protein content. Haematologic data were within clinically acceptable ranges.