Enhanced blood conservation and improved clinical outcome after valve surgery using heparin-bonded cardiopulmonary bypass circuits.

BACKGROUND: Recently, heparin-bonded (HBC) cardiopulmonary bypass circuits (CPB) were formed to be associated with improved outcome after coronary artery bypass grafting. There are very few reports on the efficacy and safety of these circuits in valve surgery.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of all patient populations undergoing first time valve surgery from 1992 to 1995 in a tertiary teaching hospital. Outcomes of 120 patients undergoing valve surgery using HBC and lower anticoagulation HBC were compared to 232 patients treated with conventional circuits and full heparinization (nonheparin-bonded-circuit [NHBC]).

RESULTS: Postoperative 24-hour chest tube drainage (558 +/- 466 mL vs 1054 +/- 911 mL, p < 0.00001), and reoperation for bleeding (2.5% vs 8.2%, p = 0.04) were lower in the HBC group. HBC patients required significantly less transfusions (total donor exposure of 6.9 +/- 13.0 units vs 18.6 +/- 26.2 units, p < 0.00001). Multiple linear regression analysis identified CPB time as a predictor of increased homologous blood transfusions, and the use of HBC, a large body surface area, and elective procedure as predictors of decreased transfusions. Perioperative mortality was similar (HBC 2.5%, NHBC 4.7%, p = 0.24). Overall complications were lower in the HBC group (42% vs 56.2%, p = 0.02). Perioperative myocardial infarction (0.8% vs 1.3%, p = 0.58) and cerebrovascular accident (3.3% vs 3.9%, p = 0.53) were similar. Two (1.7%) HBC patients had valve re-replacement compared to none in the NHBC (p = 0.22). Multiple logistic regression model revealed that age and CPB time were associated with increased complications, and the use of HBC with reduced complications.

CONCLUSION: Use of HBCs with lower anticoagulation in valve surgery resulted in a significant reduction of transfusion requirements and improved clinical outcome. Because of a potential for early mechanical valve thrombosis, until further data is available, conventional levels of systemic anticoagulation should be achieved when using HBC in valve surgery.