Protamine titration after cardiopulmonary bypass

Abstract

Summary A method of protamine titration, with the use of the ‘Haemochron 400’ system for reversal of heparinisation after cardiopulmonary bypass is described. Twenty‐three patients, average age 47 years, undergoing this procedure for either valve replacement or coronary artery bypass grafting were studied. Accurate reversal of heparinisation was achieved using comparatively small doses of protamine. A linear relationship between the dose ratio of protamine and heparin and the time interval between their respective administrations was defined where only a single dose of heparin had been administered.