Heparin and Protamine Titration in Cardiac Surgery Under Minimal Invasive Extracorporeal Circulation

Heparin and Protamine Titration Using Optical Detection Technology in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery Under Minimal Invasive Extracorporeal Circulation

During a cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass it is essential that an appropriate level of anticoagulation is accomplished. To achieve this, the patient is administered heparin. After completion of the surgery, protamine is given to reverse the anticoagulant action of heparin. In this prospective clinical study the researchers will investigate the impact of the two different methods to calculate the required dosage of heparin and protamine; the individualized calculation computed by the Hemostasis Management System Plus (HMS Plus, Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) device and the weight based. The investigators hypothesize that the aforementioned methods result in different dosages and will elaborate on their impact on postoperative bleeding.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Informed consent
• elective cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass

Exclusion Criteria:

• known blood disorder
• contraindication to heparin administration