Cardiopulmonary Bypass in a Patient with Factor XII Deficiency

The performance of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in the factor XII-deficient patient is challenging in that the normal method for monitoring anticoagulation is ineffective as a result of an impaired contact activation system. We report the case of a factor XII-deficient patient who underwent surgical revascularization on CPB. His factor XII level was replenished with fresh-frozen plasma immediately before surgery. This management strategy lowered the baseline activated clotting time (ACT) to near normal, providing a meaningful ACT value for CPB. Factor XII is also a key component in the fibrinolytic system and its deficiency is associated with increased thrombosis. Because the factor XII level quickly returns to baseline postoperatively, perioperative care must include strategies to avoid postoperative thromboembolic events.