Proceedings

Case Reports: Thrombus Formation in the Extracorporeal Circuit

The Ohio State University Hospitals, Columbus, OH

^* Direct communications to: Scott B. Hardin, C.C.T., The Ohio State University Hospitals, 410 W. lOth Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210.

Abstract

Two cases in which thrombus was formed in the extracorporeal circuit are presented. In the first case, a small thrombus formed from packed cells added to the prime adhered to the front wall of the arterial reservoir. It proved to be incidental to the progress of the surgical procedure and recovery of the patient. In the second case, a large quantity or protaminized blood was aspirated into the circuit post-bypass. Complications at the surgical field required the immediate re-institution of bypass and, despite changing the oxygenator, bypass management was severely limited. The patient subsequently expired. As these cases represent different ends of the spectrum in regards to their origin, effects on bypass management, and patient impact, their similarities and differences are identified and discussed. The importance of circuit design and the reserve capacity of its components when presented with these abnormal situations is reviewed.