Can local application of Tranexamic acid reduce post- coronary bypass surgery blood loss? A randomized controlled trial.

This is an interesting article searching for new ways to save blood in cardiac surgery. Although the number of patients is small (and the concept is not new), the study could extend the indications for the use of tranexamic acid and/or other antifibrinolytic agents. The patients in the tranexamic group received 1 g of the drug diluted and poured in the pericardial and mediastinal cavities; they had less bleeding in chest drains and less platelet transfusion requirements, but no differences were found in red cells transfused. The main interest for future studies, as the authors mention, could be the effect of this practice in patients receiving antiplatelet agents and the search of the optimal dose of tranexamic acid.

– Juan V. Llau