American Society of Hirudotherapy

Bivalirudin as an Alternative Anticoagulant for Cardiopulmonary Bypass During Adult Cardiac Surgery-A Change in Practice

Case report published in J Extra Corpor Technol (2017)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Case reportDrug DevelopmentClinical TrialsGatt P et al. · J Extra Corpor Technol, 2017

Abstract

The referral of patients for open heart surgery, presenting with a history of heparin hypersensitivity instigated a multidisciplinary effort to find an alternative anticoagulant to heparin. The various options mentioned in the literature call for changes in the routine practice of open heart surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass. These changes involve mostly the perfusion setup and conduct on bypass and to a lesser extent the anesthetic and surgical practice. Nevertheless, the different professions involved in the cardiac surgical firm discussed the proposed changes in a multidisciplinary effort. A new protocol was drafted, endorsed, and executed. The authors highlight these changes and their successful use in the subsequent case study.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeCase ReportsJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAgedAlgorithmsAnticoagulantsCardiopulmonary BypassCombined Modality TherapyCoronary Artery DiseaseDrug Administration ScheduleHirudinsHumansMalePeptide FragmentsRecombinant Proteins

Summary

Multidisciplinary protocol for using bivalirudin in adult cardiopulmonary bypass for heparin-hypersensitivity patients.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This case report describes a multidisciplinary effort to develop and implement a clinical protocol for using an alternative anticoagulant to heparin in patients presenting with heparin hypersensitivity who required cardiopulmonary bypass for open heart surgery. The authors detail modifications to perfusion setup and bypass conduct and report successful execution of the protocol in a subsequent case. The abstract does not name the specific anticoagulant used, nor does it mention leeches, hirudotherapy, hirudin, or leech-secretome components. CAVEAT: This is a single case report with no control group; the abstract provides insufficient detail to establish any connection to ASH's domain, as the alternative anticoagulant is not identified.

Citation

Bivalirudin as an Alternative Anticoagulant for Cardiopulmonary Bypass During Adult Cardiac Surgery-A Change in Practice.

Gatt P et al. · J Extra Corpor Technol, 2017

DOI

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

This website provides educational information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Medicinal leech therapy carries clinically meaningful risks and should be performed only by qualified clinicians under institutionally approved protocols. FDA 510(k) clearance for medicinal leeches is limited to specific indications; investigational and off-label discussions are labeled accordingly. For patient-specific guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider.