Reduction of platelet trapping in membrane oxygenators by transmembraneous application of gaseous nitric oxide
Keh, D.; Gerlach, M.; Kürer, I.; Falke, K.J.; Gerlach, H.
International Journal of Artificial Organs 19(5): 291-293
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0391-3988 PMID: 8791149 Document Number: 459459
Bleeding during extracorporeal circulation (ECC) is often induced and/or aggravated by thrombocytopenia due to platelet-trapping in hollow fiber membrane oxygenators (HFMO). Nitric oxide (NO) has platelet anti-aggregating and dis-aggregating properties. In a paired system we tested whether gaseous NO, added to the gas compartment of one of two parallel running heparin-bonded HFMO attenuated platelet-trapping. Platelet consumption was markedly reduced in the NO-treated HFMO. These data strongly indicate that the application of gaseous NO could prove a new therapeutical approach to reduce bleeding during ECC, serving as a new way of preventing platelet loss, thus reducing the need for high systemic heparinization.