<i>In Vitro</i> Comparison of Blood Pump Induced Platelet Microaggregates between a Centrifugal and Roller Pump During Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Abstract

Fragments from hemolyzed erythrocytes have the same size distribution as intact platelets and the number of RBC fragments correlates with the extent of pump-induced hemolysis during CPB. Our data suggest that assessment of platelets by "Coulter counting" cannot distinguish platelets from RBC fragments and may underestimate platelet consumption in the presence of hemolysis during CPB. We conclude that flow cytometry is more accurate in the perioperative assessment of platelet count and platelet aggregation during CPB and LVAD support.