Sma Circuits Reduce Platelet Consumption and Platelet Factor Release During Cardiac Surgery

BACKGROUND: Platelet count and function are particularly damaged by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This study evaluated the effects of a novel CPB circuit in terms of platelet count and activation, and postoperative need for blood products. METHODS: One hundred patients undergoing coronary grafting were randomized in two groups: control group (n = 50) and test group (n = 50, surface modifying additives circuit, SMA group). Blood samples were taken before, during, and after CPB. Postoperative blood loss, number of transfused blood products, and postoperative variables were recorded. RESULTS: The platelet count decreased less in the SMA group compared to the control group (end of CPB: respectively, 165 +/- 9 x 10(3)/mm3 vs 137 +/- 8 x 10(3)/mm3; p < 0.01). This was paralleled by a reduction in beta-thromboglobulin plasma levels in the SMA group. There was a trend to decreased blood loss in the SMA group, but the difference was significant only in patients taking aspirin preoperatively (p < 0.05). In the SMA group nearly 50% less fresh frozen plasma and platelet units were administered (p < 0.01). No operative deaths were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The use of circuits with surface additives is clinically safe, preserves platelet levels, and attenuates platelet activation. This may lead to a reduced need for blood products.