Haemostasis at low heparin dosage during cardiopulmonary bypass with heparin-coated circuits in pigs.

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) causes activation of cascade systems. Although heparin coating of CPB circuits improves biocompatibility, the effects on coagulation remain controversial. Theoretically, heparin coating should permit the reduction of systemic anticoagulation during CPB. We investigated influences on haemostatic variables in animal CPB, comparing heparin-coated circuits and reduced systemic heparinization (group HC) with uncoated circuits and full heparinization (group C). Twenty pigs underwent 2-h CPB. Seven (HC, n = 4; C, n = 3) were weaned from CPB and studied for up to 4 h. Total administered heparin was 470 +/- 6 IU/kg (mean +/- SEM) in group C and 100 +/- 0 IU/kg in group HC. Protamine dosage was significantly reduced in group HC. In group C, levels of prothrombin complex, factor VIII and adhesive platelets were reduced significantly during CPB, and postoperatively there were significantly lower values of prothrombin complex, fibrinogen, antithrombin III, factor VIII and adhesive platelets but a significantly increased concentration of von Willebrand factor and cumulative bleeding after 4 h. In conclusion, heparin-coated CPB circuits combined with lowered heparin dosage reduced coagulation factor consumption and preserved platelet function, possibly contributing to improved postoperative haemostasis.