Tranexamic Acid in Off-pump Coronary Surgery

The aim of this prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the effects of tranexamic acid, a synthetic antifibrinolytic drug, on the postoperative bleeding and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graphing (OPCAB) surgery.

Cardiac surgical procedures account for a large amount of allogeneic transfusion. Although postoperative bleeding seems to be attenuated by the avoidance of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), hemorrhagic complications are not completely eliminated and the consequent need for allogeneic transfusions are still major problems after OPCAB. Tranexamic acid, a synthetic antifibrinolytic drug, has been shown to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements in cardiac surgery with CPB. About 30% of patients in OPCAB studies still receive a transfusion. A few small sample size studies concerned with the use of in OPCAB surgery, found that tranexamic acid appear to be effective in reducing postoperative bleeding, however, the results on transfusion requirements are still inconsistency. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of tranexamic acid on the postoperative bleeding and transfusion requirements in a larger number of patients undergoing OPCAB surgery. In addition, the effect of tranexamic acid on mortality, morbidity and resource utilization was examined.