Attenuation of hemodynamic and hematologic effects of heparin-protamine sulfate interaction after aortic reconstruction in a canine model

This investigation documented the effect of protamine sulfate pretreatment on the adverse hemodynamic and hematologic sequela of rapid intravenous protamine administration in heparinized dogs having undergone prior implantation of aortic prostheses. Fourteen dogs underwent infrarenal aortic replacement with 6 mm inner diameter by 7 cm knitted Dacron double-velour grafts. Carotid arterial, central venous, and pulmonary arterial catheters were placed for continuous hemodynamic monitoring. All dogs were adequately anticoagulated with heparin (150 IU/kg) and reversed with protamine (1.5 mg/kg/10 sec) after graft insertion. Pretreatment regimens studied included normal saline (n4), protamine 0.75 mg/kg (n5), and protamine 2.25 mg/kg in three divided doses of 0.75 mg/kg each (n5). All pretreatment agents were administered 3 minutes before heparinization. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and cardiac output (CO) were measured. Hematologic assessments included platelet count (PC), leukocyte count, thrombin clotting time, and total hemolytic complement. Significant salutory effects were associated with protamine pretreatment regarding BP, HR, PAP, CO, and PC. It is concluded that adverse hemodynamic effects of protamine reversal are blocked and certain hematologic effects are reduced with protamine pretreatment before heparinization and its reversal in this canine experimental model.