Antithrombin-heparin covalent complex reduces microemboli during cardiopulmonary bypass in a pig model

Transcranial Doppler-detected high-intensity transient signals (HITS) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery have been associated with postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction, suggesting microemboli in the brain could be a contributing factor. HITS occur despite administration of unfractionated heparin (UFH). This study was done to determine whether antithrombin-heparin covalent complex (ATH), a more potent anticoagulant than heparin, can …