Original Article

Heparin-Free Cardiopulmonary Support, Utilizing a Carmeda Coated Circuit, for a Patient with Pulmonary Hemorrhage and Multiple Trauma

Emanuel Hospital & Health Center, Portland, Oregon

Abstract

The emergent use of closed-chest cardiopulmonary support to resuscitate and support moribund patients in cardiac and/ or pulmonary failure has been well documented. However, when massive trauma is associated with this pathology, contraindictaing systemic anticoagulation, this patient population becomes unapproachable utilizing "standard" bypass support equipment.

Studies of heparinized surface coatings have shown a reduction in complement and platelet activation and an increase in thromboresistance when compared to standard cardiopulmonary bypass circuits. To date, heparin-free cardiopulmonary bypass utilizing heparinized surfaces had only been attempted on animal models.

We present the first reported human application of heparin-free cardio pulmonary support utilizing a heparin-coated circuit on a 26-year-old male who developed severe pulmonary hemorrhage after sustaining massive lung contusion and other multiple injuries in an industrial accident.