[Application of heparin-coated PCPS for traumatic cardiac rupture: report of a case]

Application of heparin-coated percutaneous cardio-pulmonary support system (PCPS) for a case with traumatic cardiac rupture is reported. A 50-year-old woman, who was injured in the traffic accident, was admitted to our hospital. Her consciousness was not alert in circulatory collapse. Echocardiography showed cardiac tamponade and pericardial centesis was done followed by re-filling. Urgent surgical intervention was necessary. When she was brought to operating room, she became cardiac arrest, necessitating cardio-pulmonary resuscitation followed by PCPS. Under PCPS support, hemodynamic state became stable and cardiac laceration was repaired. Laparotomy was also done because of the distension of abdomen during operation, and splenectomy was necessary for the injured spleen. She is doing well now. Generally, it is considered to be contra-indicated to apply PCPS for traumatic cases which may cause bleeding tendency because of anti-coagulant therapy. But this case report showed the possibility of application of PCPS for traumatic cases, if PCPS is established using heparin-coated system.