Antiplatelet Therapy and Vascular Grafts

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
• Antiplatelet therapy is currently recommended in an effort to improve patency rates of small-caliber vascular grafts. The effect of aspirin and heparin on acute platelet deposition was studied in a baboon ex vivo shunt. Two grafts, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene and knitted Dacron, were exposed to a flow rate of 25 mL/min after administration of aspirin or heparin. Indium 111–labeled platelet uptake by the grafts was determined over 2½ hours. The amount of platelet deposition in the treated groups was significantly less than that of controls after 2½ hours. There was no difference between the aspirin and heparin groups. The finding that heparin inhibited platelet deposition to a degree comparable with aspirin suggests that it may not be necessary to start antiplatelet therapy preoperatively. Intraoperative systemic heparinization will provide sufficient inhibition of platelet deposition. A protocol for perioperative antiplatelet therapy is outlined. (Arch Surg 1986;121:778-781)

This publication has 5 references indexed in Scilit: