The American journal of cardiology
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Bleeding is a common complication of cardiac surgery, accounting for a significant portion of the total transfusions performed in the United States. This may be due in part to surgical factors and to the fibrinolysis and platelet activation induced by cardiopulmonary bypass. ⋯ Empiric platelet transfusion, the frequency of which varies greatly among institutions, does not reliably prevent these complications and may even increase the risk for adverse outcomes. Platelet function testing, particularly with newer testing systems, may be a valuable tool for making decisions about stopping antiplatelet drug administration, surgical timing with respect to bleeding risk, and platelet transfusion in cardiac surgical patients.