The effect of heparin vs. citrate on the interaction of platelets with vascular graft materials

Heparin is known to affect platelet function in vitro, but little is known about the effect of heparin on the interaction of platelets with polymer surfaces in general, and vascular graft materials in particular. For this reason, the effect of heparin vs. citrate anticoagulation on the interaction of platelets with the vascular graft materials expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), Dacron Bionit (DB) and preclotted Dacron Bionit (DB/PC) was studied in a recirculating, in vitro perfusion system. Platelet activation, as shown by a decrease in platelet count, an increase in platelet release and a decrease in platelet aggregation, was observed for all vascular graft materials tested using heparin and was greater for Dacron and preclotted Dacron than for ePTFE. Significant differences between heparin and citrate anticoagulation were seen for platelet release, platelet aggregation and the relative ranking of material platelet-reactivity. However, the trends and time course of platelet activation were similar with both heparin and citrate for the materials tested.