Intraoperative anticoagulation during arterial reconstructive procedures.

The technique of thromboelastography was used to monitor the intraoperative administration of heparin during vascular surgical procedures. Interpatient response to 70 units per kilogram of heparin varied widely. There was no need, in any patient, for the use of protamine to reverse the effect of heparin. This, coupled with the absence of hemorrhagic complications, indicates that thromboelastography is a useful method for monitoring the administration of heparin during vascular surgical procedures.