Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 8, 2025
04:48
Noninvasive Determination of Vortex Formation Time Using Transesophageal Echocardiography During Cardiac Surgery
Published on: November 28, 2018
8.2K
Viscoelastic testing in cardiac surgery.
Seema Agarwal1, Mohamed Abdelmotieleb1
1Department of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia and ICM, Manchester University Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
Transfusion
|September 21, 2020
Summary
Viscoelastic point-of-care testing, including thromboelastography (TEG) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), aids in managing bleeding complications during cardiac surgery. These rapid coagulation assessments help reduce transfusions and improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Hematology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
Background:
- Bleeding complications are frequent in cardiac surgery, increasing morbidity and mortality.
- Contributing factors include cardiopulmonary bypass, anticoagulation drugs, and surgical trauma.
- Current coagulation assessments may lack speed and comprehensive analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of bleeding in cardiac surgery.
- To explore the utility of viscoelastic testing in managing perioperative bleeding.
- To highlight the role of viscoelastic tests in reducing blood transfusions.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of viscoelastic testing principles (thromboelastography and rotational thromboelastometry).
- Review of literature on the application of viscoelastic tests in cardiac surgery.
- Analysis of viscoelastic testing for predicting bleeding, assessing platelet function, and guiding transfusion strategies.
Main Results:
- Viscoelastic tests offer rapid, point-of-care coagulation assessment.
- Thromboelastography (TEG) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) aid in assessing heparinization and fibrinogen levels.
- Viscoelastic testing can guide targeted therapy, reduce transfusion rates, and evaluate anti-platelet agent effects.
Conclusions:
- Viscoelastic testing is valuable in cardiac surgery for rapid coagulation assessment.
- These tests help personalize transfusion strategies and manage bleeding effectively.
- Implementing viscoelastic testing algorithms can decrease blood product usage and improve surgical outcomes.
