Use of pre-operatively obtained platelets and plasma in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass

Thirty-seven patients requiring cardiopulmonary bypass were prospectively studied and assigned to plateletpheresis or control groups in a non-randomized, non-blinded fashion according to apheresis exclusion criteria and our ability to perform apheresis within 24 hours of surgery. Patients were grouped by potential for hemostatic abnormalities following a risk point factor assignment established for this study. The study indicated improvement of hemostasis with autologous platelets and plasma as demonstrated by clinical and laboratory parameters and by overall blood component utilization. We conclude that pre-operative plateletpheresis in this patient population is feasible, safe, and effective.