Experience with fibrin seal (Tisseel) in operations for congenital heart defects

Tisseel (human fibrin seal) was used in 38 children with complex congenital heart defects (2.8% of all operations for congenital heart defects) between July, 1980, and August, 1983. Control of bleeding was excellent in 31 patients, good in 6 patients, and unsatisfactory in 1 patient. Best results were achieved when Tisseel was applied on collagen substrate. If bleeding was particularly difficult to control, a combination of Tisseel with pharmacological hypotension (sodium nitroprusside) was used. We recommend the use of Tisseel to preseal Dacron conduits and to control bleeding from multiple suture lines (conduits, arterial switch operations, complex reconstructions of the pulmonary arteries), near major coronary arteries, from Gore-Tex patches in high-pressure systems, and from the raw areas of the heart at reoperation.