Biocompatibility of Heparin‐Coated Circuits in Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Bypass

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Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the biocompatibility of heparin‐coated circuits in pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Eight patients were divided into 2 groups: the control group (Group C) and heparin‐coated group (Group H). In Group H, CPB circuits, including the arterial pump, oxygenator, and cannulas were heparin‐coated. Before, during, and after CPB, blood samples were obtained to assess the platelet counts (Plat), α2‐plasmin plas‐minogen inhibitor complex (PIC), thrombin‐antithrombin III complex (TAT), C3 activation products (C3a), inter‐leukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, and polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocyte (PMN) elastase. There was no significant difference in Plat, PIC, or TAT between groups. Group H showed significantly low levels of C3a (during and after CPB), PMN elastase (during CPB), and IL‐6 (after CPB). These data demonstrated that in pediatric CPB, heparin‐coated CPB circuits reduced the activation of complements and the production of PMN elastase and IL‐6, suggesting the superior biocompatibility of the heparin‐coated circuits.