Monitoring heparin anticoagulation in major vascular surgery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Monitoring of heparin anticoagulation in major vascular surgery: correlation between ACT and anti Xa activity, inter-individual variation and patient outcomes
IRAS ID
166835
Contact name
Nick Schofield
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Free London NHS Trust
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN87607734
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
During vascular surgery to repair aortic aneurysms (swelling of the main large blood vessel from the heart), anticoagulation with a drug called heparin is commonly administered into the patient to reduce risk of blood clots during the surgery on the aorta. If too much heparin is given, the patient is at risk of excess bleeding, and if too little heparin is given, the patient is at risk of blood clots, during the operation.
Heparin effects can be measured using a variety of tests including near patient tests (activated clotting time (ACT) and laboratory based tests (activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), antifactor Xa levels). All tests have their limitations and there remains much debate in the literature as to the best method of monitoring heparin anticoagulation. This study will compare conventional methods of heparin effects (ACT) with anti factor Xa tests, to ascertain what the best level of heparin is during aortic surgery.
Aims of study:
1) Correlate Hemochron ACT, anti Xa activity and antithrombin levels with paired blood samples taken from a cohort of vascular patients undergoing major vascular surgery with heparinisation.
2) Report inter-individual variation in heparin response in our patient cohort.
3) Report outcomes, including transfusion requirements and adverse events.REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
15/NI/0219
Date of REC Opinion
27 Oct 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion