The effect of indobufen on the thrombogenic potential of a Dacron prosthesis in an artificial circulation

We have evaluated the effect of indobufen on the potential thrombogenicity of a Dacron vascular prosthesis in an artificial circulation. In a randomised double blind crossover study, ten healthy volunteers received indobufen 200 mg or placebo twice daily for one week. The artificial circulation, incorporating a 15 cm length of 8 mm Dacron graft was perfused for 60 mins with volunteer blood containing autologous 111In labelled platelets. Graft thrombogenicity was assessed by changes in platelet function, isotope labelled platelet studies and scanning electron microscopy. Platelet count fell significantly during graft perfusion (P less than 0.05) and aggregation was significantly inhibited by treatment with indobufen pre perfusion compared with the placebo group (P less than 0.02). While deposition of labelled platelets was not statistically significant, consumption of these platelets was greater in the placebo group (P less than 0.01). Field counts of adherent platelets made from scanning electron micrographs of the indobufen treated group were significantly lower (P less than 0.01) compared with the placebo group. We conclude that indobufen can reduce the thrombogenic potential of Dacron vascular grafts and suggest that it may be an effective antiplatelet agent for use following Dacron bypass surgery.