Effect of platelet transfusion in open heart surgery on postoperative bleeding

Abstract

We have applyed blood component transfusion since 1979 to patients undergoing open heart surgery for preventing excessive postoperative bleeding. In addition to the use of platelet rich plasma and cryoprecipitate, we have recently introduced platelet transfusion using the technique of platelet pheresis. The total volume of platelets corresponding to 3, 500ml blood of adult male, which were obtained from single donor, was harvested 24 hours prior to the operation and transfused to the patient following cardiopulmonary bypass. By the use of platelet transfusion, the volume of postoperative blood loss and the volume of blood transfusion were singificantly reduced. However, an incidence of posttransfusion hepatitis (non-A, non-B type) was not reduced to the level of statistical significance.