More Effective Suppression of Hemostatic System Activation in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery by Heparin Dosing Based on Heparin Blood Concentrations rather than ACT

This study was designed to determine whether the maintenance of higher than usual patient-specific heparin concentrations during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was associated with more effective suppression of hemostasis system activation. Thirty-one patients scheduled for repeat cardiac surgery or combined procedures (i.e., coronary revascularization + valve repair/replacement) were consented and enrolled in this study. All patients received …