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Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Catheterization of the Carotid Artery and Jugular Vein to Perform Hemodynamic Measures, Infusions and Blood Sampling in a Conscious Rat Model
Published on: January 30, 2015
Low-dose versus high-dose heparinization during arteriovenous carbon dioxide removal
J A Murphy1, C M Savage, S K Alpard
1Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555-0528, USA.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to compare low-dose (LD) and high-dose (HD) systemic heparinization in a prospective randomized study of arteriovenous carbon dioxide removal (AVCO2R) during acute respiratory distress syndrome, using a commercially available heparin-coated oxygenator. Adult sheep (n = 13) received an LD50 smoke inhalation and 40% TBSA third degree cutaneous flame burn injury. At 40-48 h post-injury, animals underwent cannulation of the carotid artery and jugular vein and were then randomized to HD heparin (activated clotting time, ACT > 300s, n = 6) and LD heparin (ACT < 200s, n =7) and placed on AVCO2R for approximately 72 h using an oxygenator with the Trillium Bio-Passive Surface. Mean ACTs were significantly different, as expected (HD: 446 +/- 26s, LD: 213 +/- 12s, p < 0.05). AVCO2R shunt flow averaged approximately 13% of cardiac output with mean CO2 removal similar in HD and LD, p = NS. The hematocrit, platelet count, and fibrin degradation products for the two groups were not different. No differences in thrombosis or bleeding were noted. In conclusion, LD systemic heparin (ACT < 200s) with a heparin-coated oxygenator does not increase thrombogenicity during AVCO2R for smoke/burn-induced severe lung injury in sheep.
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