Heparin Reversal for Coronary Artery Perforation

Yuichi Sawayama1,2, Kenta Sasaki1, Narumi Taninobu1

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Kurashiki, Japan.

Insights

Reversing heparin during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for coronary artery perforation (CAP) aids hemostasis but risks thrombosis if a device remains. Heparin reversal improved hemostasis but increased thrombosis risk when activated clotting time was low.

Area of Science:

  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Cardiovascular Surgery

Background:

  • Coronary artery perforation (CAP) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a serious complication.
  • Heparin reversal is used for hemostasis but carries a risk of thrombosis, especially with indwelling devices.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of heparin reversal on outcomes in patients with CAP and an intracoronary device in place.
  • To assess the safety and efficacy of heparin reversal in this specific clinical scenario.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of CAP cases during PCI (January 2006 - October 2023).
  • Patients were stratified based on whether heparin reversal was performed with an intracoronary device in situ.
  • Outcomes included coronary thrombosis, successful hemostasis, and all-cause mortality.

Main Results:

  • CAP occurred in 1.6% of PCI cases.
  • Heparin reversal with a device in place was performed in 57% of CAP patients.
  • Coronary thrombosis occurred in 7.6% of those with heparin reversal and a device.
  • Low activated clotting time (ACT < 150 seconds) correlated with thrombosis.
  • Heparin reversal was associated with successful hemostasis (91% vs. 73%) but not mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Heparin reversal in CAP patients with an indwelling device increases coronary thrombosis risk, particularly with ACT < 150 seconds.
  • While not significantly impacting mortality, heparin reversal improves hemostasis rates.
Abstract

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