Case Report

Use of plasmapheresis during cardiopulmonary bypass in a pediatric heart transplant of a patient with Failing Fontan Physiology: first case in Argentina

¹ Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart Transplant and Peripheral Vascular Service. Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan Pediatric Hospital, Combate de los Pozos 1881 (1245), CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
² Hemotherapy and Transfusion Medicine Service. Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan Pediatric Hospital, Combate de los Pozos 1881 (1245), CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Received: 21 March 2025
Accepted: 11 September 2025

Abstract

Background: A 17-year-old male patient diagnosed with a single ventricle, in a failed Fontan stage, was evaluated prior to heart transplantation. The patient had a panel-reactive antibody (PRA) for human leucocyte antigen (HLA) I of 18% and for HLA II of 37%, so the decision was made to administer three doses of immunoglobulin while waiting for a donor heart. Methods: Once extracorporeal circulation was initiated, the apheresis machine extracted blood from the patient’s venous drainage and returned it to the oxygenator reservoir. A total of 8278 mL of blood was processed, and 4224 mL of plasma was extracted. For replacement, 1341 mL of fresh frozen plasma and 2700 mL of 5% albumin were used. 75 mL of citrate-dextrose acid (CDA) was used as an anticoagulant. The procedure lasted 135 min. Results: On the tenth postoperative day, the PRA for HLA I and II was 0%. On the thirtieth postoperative day, a catheterization with endomyocardial biopsy showed no evidence of immunological rejection. An echocardiogram showed good function of the heart graft. One year later, a catheterization with endomyocardial biopsy showed no signs of humoral rejection. The patient is currently in the third-year post-transplant and continues to show no signs of rejection in their progression. Conclusion: Plasmapheresis during cardiopulmonary bypass is a reproducible, safe, and effective technique. It may be indicated for sensitized patients on the heart transplant waiting list.