Fresh whole blood and immunoglobulin permit coronary artery bypass graft surgery in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Abstract

CORONARY ARTERY bypass graft (CABG) operations requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) have been successfully carried out in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) despite the increased risk of bleeding. Appropriate patient management results in reduced blood loss, encouraging the use of arterial grafts with acceptable transfusion requirements.' The authors report a patient with ITP who underwent a successful CABG operation without splenectomy, using very fresh whole blood (VFWB) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg).