Bivalirudin anticoagulation for cardiopulmonary bypass in a patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the perioperative management in a heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) positive patient who had prosthetic valve endocarditis and an aortic root abscess. The patient underwent high-risk cardiac re-operation with the use of the alternative anticoagulant, bivalirudin.


METHODS
A 62-yr-old patient who underwent stentless tissue aortic valve replacement with a Toronto-SPV valve in 1998, was admitted to hospital with symptoms of stroke. A heparin infusion was started and further investigation revealed positive blood cultures. The patient developed HIT which was confirmed by laboratory tests. Echocardiographic examination performed one month later showed vegetations on the aortic tissue valve and a small aortic root abscess. The patient still tested positively for the presence of HIT antibodies and was treated conservatively with antibiotics. A repeat echocardiographic examination showed progression of the aortic root abscess and it was decided to proceed with urgent redo aortic valve surgery. Anticoagulation for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was achieved with the use of a direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI), bivalirudin. Following an uneventful wean from CPB, hemostasis was achieved within 40 min. The postoperative course was uncomplicated and the patient was discharged from hospital on the seventh postoperative day.


CONCLUSIONS
Bivalirudin is a DTI, which can be used as an alternative anticoagulant for CPB in HIT positive patients. This case report showed a favourable outcome with bivalirudin for urgent complex redo cardiac surgery requiring CPB.
Wasowicz
Marcin
M
Department of Anesthesia, Toronto General Hospital, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada.
Vegas
Annette
A
Borger
Michael A
MA
Harwood
Stephen
S
D000038:Abscess / Q000150:complications; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass; D004452:Echocardiography; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006629:Hirudins; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000150:complications; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D006629:Hirudins; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D006493:Heparin; C074619:bivalirudin