ABSTRACT
The inhibition of platelet aggregation during cardiopulmonary bypass and effects on post-operative placebo-controlled study of 145 patients. Significant preservation of platelet numbers and function were shown without significant haemodynamic problems, but no effect on cerebral deficits could be found. The use of iloprost in patients with severe thrombocytopenia seems justified, but the clinical benefits from its use in routine cardiopulmonary bypass remain to be shown.
Subject(s)
Cardiopulmonary Bypass/adverse effects , Iloprost/therapeutic use , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Blood Transfusion , Hemodynamics/drug effects , Humans , Platelet Aggregation/drug effects , Platelet Count , Psychomotor Performance/drug effectsABSTRACT
A patient with a foreign body penetrating the neck and chest was found to have physical signs which were consistent with serious tracheal injury and included a large movement of air through the lower part of the neck. The subsequent management of the patient and the difficult problem of securing an airway are described. At operation, the tracheal damage was found to be less severe than anticipated and the observed air flow was a result of penetration of the foreign body into the pleural cavity. The management of the patient is discussed and the potential for misinterpretation of the physical signs in this type of trauma is emphasized.
