Cardiopulmonary bypass in a patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia II and impaired renal function using heparin and the platelet GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor tirofiban as anticoagulant.

In a patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia II and impaired renal function, anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass was successfully performed by the use of unfractionated heparin and the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor tirofiban. Postoperative antithrombotic therapy with recombinant hirudin was immediately initiated. This regimen for anticoagulation for cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia II appears to be particularly appropriate for patients with impaired renal function or for hospitals without special experience with other alternative anticoagulation strategies.