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Heparin levels and activated clotting time (ACT) during open heart surgery
Scandinavian Journal of Haematology
|April 1, 1981
Insights
Activated clotting time (ACT) effectively monitors heparinization during open heart surgery. This study found a strong correlation between ACT and heparin levels, confirming ACT
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Anesthesiology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Heparin is crucial for anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass.
- Accurate monitoring of heparin levels is essential for patient safety.
- Activated clotting time (ACT) is a point-of-care test used to assess heparin's effect.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the correlation between heparin levels and ACT.
- To determine the utility of ACT in managing heparinization during open heart surgery.
Main Methods:
- Heparin levels were measured using an amidolytic assay.
- Activated clotting time (ACT) was measured using the Haemochron device.
- 10 adult patients undergoing open heart surgery were included.
Main Results:
- A good correlation was observed between heparin levels and ACT when ACT was below 600 seconds.
- This suggests ACT provides reliable heparin monitoring within this range.
Conclusions:
- Activated clotting time (ACT) is a valuable tool for monitoring heparinization during open heart surgery.
- The findings support the use of ACT for effective heparin management in this clinical setting.
Abstract:
Heparin levels were followed by an amidolytic method during open heart surgery in 10 adult patients and correlated to the activated clotting time (ACT) (Haemochron). There was a good correlation between the 2 parameters when the ACT was below 600 s. Based on the present and previous studies of the ACT the authors conclude that the ACT is a useful tool in control of heparinization during open heart surgery.