Audit of factor VIIa for bleeding resistant to conventional therapy following complex cardiac surgery

Abstract

Purpose: There are an increasing number of anecdotal reports and trials of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) for bleeding during surgery. The reports of rFVIIa during cardiac surgery are limited. We report our experience using rFVIIa, in the operating room; to treat bleeding that prevented chest closure, despite appropriate conventional treatment, following complex cardiac surgery. Methods: Retrospective chart review, at an Australian University hospital and associated private hospital, of cardiac surgery patients given rFVIIa (usual dose 90 μg·kg-1). We used rFVIIa for bleeding that prevented closure of the chest despite administration of blood products, protamine, and surgical atte..