Elevated plasma fibrinopeptide A and thromboxane B2 levels during cardiopulmonary bypass.

Patients who underwent operations in which cardiopulmonary bypass was used had elevations of plasma fibrinopeptide A which did not return to normal during bypass despite conventional heparin anticoagulation, suggesting inadequate heparin dosage and continued thrombin activity during the operation. Patients who underwent aortocoronary artery grafting had high plasma thromboxane B2 levels and a rapid fall in platelet count at the onset of extracorporeal circulation. Thromboxane elevations were less marked in patients who underwent valve replacement. Platelet aggregation and coronary artery constriction secondary to thromboxane production may contribute to the morbidity of cardiopulmonary bypass.