[Low-dose calcium-heparin prophylaxis in thoracic surgery. Bleeding, changes in coagulation and fibrinolysis]

In a controlled, randomized study of patients undergoing thoracic surgery, calcium heparin prophylaxis is confirmed to prevent activation of the coagulation and fibrinolysis system, by determining plasmatic kallikrein, antitrombin III, and plasmin. In a further study calcium heparin, 5000 I.U. s.c. every 8 hr, is statistically proved not to increase post-operatory bleeding.