ISSN:
1432-1238
Keywords:
Acute respiratory failure
;
Anticoagulation
;
Artificial lung
;
Extracorporeal gas exchange
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Treatment of severe acute respiratory failure with extracorporeal gas exchange necessitating near complete systemic anticoagulation requires a delicate balance to be maintained between disseminated intravascular coagulation and hemorrhagic complications. The present study describes our first experience using a heparin coated extracorporeal artificial lung and circuitry during clinical extracorporeal CO2 removal. In spite of a partial thromboplastin time and activated clotting time within or close to the normal range, neither laboratory evidence for disseminated intravascular coagulation induced by the extracorporeal circuit nor thrombi in the pulmonary vasculature were found. Scanning electron microscopy of the heparin coated hollow fiber gas exchanger demonstrated only minor deposits on the surface. Use of a heparin coated artificial lung may enhance the margin of safety of extracorporeal gas exchange and ultimately broaden its indications.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00263533
Permalink
