HEPARIN INDUCED THROMBOCYTOPENIA AND CARDIAC SURGERY

Background Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a serious complication related to the heparin treatment and might lead to the life-threatening consequences such as arterial and venous thrombosis. The patient with HIT scheduled for cardiac surgery represents serious problem because heparin, most common used anticoagulation drug during cardiac surgery must be avoided. Conclusions From the results of the recent clinical studies it seems that direct thrombin inhibitors, especially bivalirudin represent an acceptable alternative to the heparin anticoagulation during the cardiac surgery.