[Initial clinical experiences with the fibrin adhesive Beriplast in heart surgery]

Fibrin glue Beriplast was used during cardiovascular surgery in 97 patients. The fibrin seal was used for hemostasis on anastomoses, patches and suture lines. Moreover, the glue was applied for epicardial fixation of aorto-coronary vein grafts to prevent postoperative graft kinking. Following extrapleural ligation of patent duct in premature infants, the parietal pleura was fastened to the thoracic wall to prevent extrapleural pneumothorax or hemorrhage. After accidental dissection of the thoracic duct in infants, leakage of chyle could be sealed successfully in 6 cases. Hemorrhage from the sealed surfaces of suture lines was not observed. Viral hepatitis occurred postoperatively in 2 patients (3% of the operations for acquired heart disease), both of whom had also received clotting factor concentrate and blood transfusion because of postoperative hemorrhage not related to fibrin sealed surfaces. A causal relation between the hepatitis and application of the pasteurized fibrin glue seems very unlikely. Although fibrin glue certainly cannot replace the surgical suture, it appears to be a valuable aid under special conditions.