Favorable outcome with bivalirudin anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass

An 81-year-old man with previous syncopal episodes, progressive shortness of breath, pulmonary edema, severe calcific aortic stenosis, and a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia required aortic valve replacement. Bivalirudin, a thrombin-specific anticoagulant, was used in place of heparin. The patient received a 50 mg bivalirudin bolus followed by an infusion between 1.5 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1) and 1.75 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1). Adequate anticoagulation was readily obtained resulting in an uneventful cardiopulmonary bypass. Activated clotting time (ACT) values steadily declined after discontinuation of the bivalirudin infusion. Bivalirudin is a practical alternative to heparin during cardiac surgical procedures.