Recombinant activated factor VII for postoperative hemorrhage following repair of acute type A aortic dissection

Perioperative hemorrhage in the repair of acute type A aortic dissection increases morbidity, mortality, and costs of treatment. Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) mitigates intractable blood loss in surgery. By enhancing thrombin generation on activated platelet surfaces and activating thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor and factor XIII, rFVIIa promotes platelet aggregation and fibrin plug formation at the site of endothelial injury. We report outcomes for type A aortic dissection patients treated postoperatively with rFVIIa for life-threatening hemorrhage.

Patients' charts were reviewed to gather demographic, procedural, and laboratory data as well as information regarding clinical outcomes and blood product use.

Nine patients with acute type A aortic dissection received rFVIIa in the perioperative period. In the 6 hour period after rFVIIa treatment, transfusion of blood products was reduced. The international normalized ratio decreased after treatment (1.6 versus 0.9, P < .01). One patient experienced perioperative stroke.

In patients with acute type A aortic dissections who have life-threatening bleeding, early administration of rFVIIa may safely normalize coagulation variables, decrease transfusion requirements, and enhance hemostasis.