Bleeding in cardiac surgery: its prevention and treatment--an evidence-based review

Richard Whitlock1, Mark A Crowther, Heng J Ng

  • 1Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Room L208, St. Joseph's Hospital, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 4A6, Canada.

Insights

Cardiac surgery patients frequently experience bleeding, both expected and unexpected. Understanding surgical and nonsurgical bleeding factors is crucial for reducing adverse outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Hematology
  • Anesthesiology

Background:

  • Bleeding is a common complication following cardiac surgery.
  • Postoperative bleeding can be categorized as surgical or nonsurgical (coagulopathy-related).
  • Factors contributing to bleeding can be preoperative, intraoperative, or postoperative.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the factors contributing to both expected and unexpected bleeding in cardiac surgery patients.
  • To emphasize the importance of understanding these factors for clinical management.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of factors influencing bleeding in cardiac surgery.
  • Categorization of bleeding causes (surgical vs. nonsurgical).
  • Analysis of temporal factors (preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative).

Main Results:

  • Both surgical and nonsurgical bleeding are frequent occurrences.
  • Numerous factors, across different time points, influence bleeding risk.
  • Excessive bleeding is linked to poorer patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • A comprehensive understanding of bleeding etiologies is essential for effective patient care.
  • Minimizing bleeding is a critical objective in cardiac surgery to improve outcomes.
  • Further research into specific contributing factors may refine management strategies.

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management01:28

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
265
Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview01:28

Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview

Cardiac catheterization is an invasive diagnostic technique used to identify and evaluate structural and functional diseases of the heart and major blood vessels. This technique diagnoses congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, and coronary spasms and assesses ventricular function. It helps guide treatment decisions, including the need for revascularization procedures like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and...
694
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management01:28

Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy may undergo a septal myectomy (Morrow procedure). This procedure involves excising a portion of the hypertrophied septum below the aortic valve using a heart-lung machine to improve blood flow through the LVOT. Effective preoperative and postoperative nursing management ensures successful patient outcomes, minimizes complications, and...
165
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management01:22

Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management

Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm rupture is essential for patients undergoing aortic surgery.Preoperative Nursing ManagementContinuously monitor the patient for manifestations of aneurysm rupture, such as pallor, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal, back, groin, or periumbilical pain, changes in consciousness, and a pulsating abdominal mass. Regularly assess the patient's peripheral pulses.Instruct the patient to consume a clear liquid diet the day before surgery and administer...
268
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
173
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management01:30

Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's health history. Key factors include trauma to veins, peripherally inserted central catheters, varicose veins, recent pregnancy or childbirth, surgery, bacteremia, prolonged bed rest, atrial fibrillation, COPD, heart failure, cancer, coagulation disorders, myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, stroke, prolonged travel, recent bone fractures, and dehydration. Review medication intake, particularly oral contraceptives,...
127