Conclusion
In this study, we were able to establish an in vitro protocol in the laboratory setting that is precise and reliable with minimum intra-variability. This established protocol will allow for future studies in which different coated CPB circuits can be compared for their effectiveness in blocking platelet activation during the CPB.
Methods
CPB was simulated in the laboratory using bovine blood in two different types of coated CPB circuits: Trillium® Biosurface by Medtronic, and XcoatingTM Surface by Terumo. Fresh bovine blood samples were collected and circulated through the CPB circuit following the standard protocol used in the operation rooms. Blood samples were then collected at 5 min, 30 min, and 55 min during the circulation. Blood plasmas were separated and subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure most established platelet activation markers P-selectin, Platelet Factor 4 (PF4), Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa), and β-thromboglobulin (β-TG) at different time points.
Results
The biomarker values at 30 min and 55 min were compared to the base values at 5 min for each type of CPB circuit. The results of the means from all measured biomarkers showed data measurements that indicated no significant variability within each coating. All collected data points fell within ±2 SD of the means, which was considered acceptable variations across technical replicates.