Platelet mapping as part of modified thromboelastography (TEG(R)) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass.

This pilot study, conducted in 40 patients undergoing cardiac surgery, shows the usefulness of perioperative point-of-care monitoring to predict postoperative bleeding. The authors analyzed thrombelastography TEG® Platelet Mapping pre- and post-cardiopulmonary bypass. The collagen activated platelet aggregation, in particular, predicted postoperative bleeding when measured in both the pre- and the post-CPB settings. Arachidonic acid and ADP activated pathways showed significant decreases after CPB. Aspirin intake did not correlate with high bleeding risk; however, the study was not powered to answer this specific question.

– Sibylle A. Kozek-Langenecker