Comparison of the Effect of Heparinized Normal Saline Solution Versus Saline Solutions in Arterial and Central Venous Catheters on Complete Blood Count After Cardiac Surgery.

Background: Heparinized and saline solutions can prevent clot formation in arterial and central venous catheters. However, heparin can decrease the platelet count and induce thrombocytopenia. Patients undergoing cardiac surgeries are more likely to develop heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of heparinized and saline solutions of arterial and central venous catheters on complete blood count (CBC) after cardiac surgery. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 100 participants. All subjects underwent cardiac surgery at Rajaie Cardiovascular, Medical, and Research Center, Tehran, Iran. Patients were randomly divided into two groups intervention (A) for whom heparinized normal saline solution was used to maintain central arterial and venous catheters, and control (B) for whom normal saline solution was used. The CBC of subjects was monitored for three days (before surgery and the first and second days after surgery). Results: In the present study, there were no significant differences between CBC, white blood cell differential count, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and international normalized ratio in groups A and B. However, we found significant differences in platelet count (P = 0.049), red blood cell count (P = 0.0001), hemoglobin (P = 0.0001), and hematocrit (P = 0.0001) between before surgery and the second day after surgery in group A. Platelet count (P = 0.027) and PTT (P = 0.0001) before and after surgery were significantly different in group B. Conclusions: According to the results of this study, normal saline solution catheters have fewer side effects and can be a suitable replacement for heparinized catheters.

Anesthesia Management in Redo Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery in a Patient with a Rare Blood Group: A Case Report.

Introduction: One of the conditions leading to hemolysis in patients with artificial metallic heart valves is valvular dysfunction. In case of symptomatic hemolysis, a blood transfusion may be needed along with standard treatments. Inattention to the differential diagnosis of hemolysis and making decisions based on causes that are more obvious can lead to incorrect approaches. Case Presentation: In this case report, we presented a case with a previously undiagnosed rare blood group (positive antibody anti-E, anti-c, anti-Kell), undergoing reoperation of mitral valve replacement (MVR), who developed severe hemolysis and subsequent acute renal failure secondary to incompatible blood transfusion and required hemodialysis. Conclusions: In this patient, hemolysis was solely attributed to mitral valve dysfunction. By timely diagnosis of the subtype of her blood group and appropriate decision-making during surgery, adverse blood transfusion outcomes were prevented.

Cardiac anesthesia and COVID-19 outbreak: What should we know?

The COVID-19 outbreak is public health emergency, spreads easily from human to human, and may cause acute severe respiratory syndrome. The anesthesia teams who perform this procedure are at risk aerosolization and need special consideration and safety measures. Cardiac anesthesiologist follows two aims, recognition of COVID-19 patients that need surgery and decreasing the risk of perioperative viral transmission to coworkers. An isolated operating room (negative pressure operating room for COVID-19) should be available. It is important to regulate workflow and practices, anesthesia management, healthcare, and staff. Cardiac anesthesiologist and health-care workers must be use guidelines to treat patients with COVID-19.

Effect of Opium Addiction on Postoperative Arrhythmia Among Patients Undergoing CABG operation on Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

OBJECTIVES: Postoperative arrhythmia is an important complication of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgeries among patients. It seems that opioid usage is implicated in the pathogenesis of this condition due to its impacts on different organ systems, such as the autonomic nervous system. The present study was performed to investigate the effect of opium use on postoperative arrhythmia in patients undergoing CABG surgery. METHODS: Study participants were selected via convenience sampling from patients undergoing CABG surgery in a referral hospital. Study variables, including use of inotropic drugs, vital signs monitoring parameters and postoperative arrhythmia were observed and recorded at baseline and at follow-up time after surgery. RESULTS: Sixty-five (14.8%) patients had postoperative arrhythmia, and 104 participants were addicted. Prevalence of postoperative arrhythmia was the same among addict and non-addict patients. According to the regression analysis model, only serum level of epinephrine in operating room, heart rate and central venous pressure at baseline and 48 hours after operation are known as independent predictors of postoperative arrhythmia among study population. CONCLUSION: This study showed that although opium addiction increased postoperative arrhythmia among patients undergoing CABG surgery, this difference was not significant, and this association is probably mediated by other study variables.

Effect of opium addiction on postoperative arrhythmia among patients undergoing cabg operation on cardiopulmonary bypass

Abstract Objectives: Postoperative arrhythmia is an important complication of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgeries among patients. It seems that opioid usage is implicated in the pathogenesis of this condition due to its impacts on different organ systems, such as the autonomic nervous system. The present study was performed to investigate the effect of opium use on postoperative arrhythmia in patients undergoing CABG surgery. Methods: Study participants were selected via convenience sampling from patients undergoing CABG surgery in a referral hospital. Study variables, including use of inotropic drugs, vital signs monitoring parameters and postoperative arrhythmia were observed and recorded at baseline and at follow-up time after surgery. Results: Sixty-five (14.8%) patients had postoperative arrhythmia, and 104 participants were addicted. Prevalence of postoperative arrhythmia was the same among addict and non-addict patients. According to the regression analysis model, only serum level of epinephrine in operating room, heart rate and central venous pressure at baseline and 48 hours after operation are known as independent predictors of postoperative arrhythmia among study population. Conclusion: This study showed that although opium addiction increased postoperative arrhythmia among patients undergoing CABG surgery, this difference was not significant, and this association is probably mediated by other study variables.

Comparison of Two Acupuncture Protocols (K1, DU25 or K1, DU26) Efficacy on Recovery Time of Patients After General Anesthesia, a Randomized Control Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture has been used for more than two thousand years as part of traditional Chinese medicine. OBJECTIVES: This randomized prospective clinical trial aimed to compare the effect of acupuncture on K1 (Yongquan) and DU26 (Renghong) with acupuncture on K1 (Yongquan) and DU25 (Suliao), with sham acupuncture on the recovery time of general anesthesia. METHODS: The patients (51) were randomly assigned to three groups: (A) acupuncture on K1 and DU26, (B) acupuncture on K1 and DU25, and (C) sham acupuncture. In each group, at the end of surgery acupuncture was performed accordingly for twenty minutes and the Bispectral Index (BIS) values at end of surgery, 5th minute, 10th minute, 15th minute and 20th minute as well as time of extubation and time of eye opening after the end of surgery were evaluated. RESULTS: BIS study at 5th minute, 10th minute and 15th minute after the end of surgery in the groups revealed a significant difference between sham acupuncture group and both A and B acupuncture groups, which was higher in groups A and B in comparison with sham acupuncture group. Time of opening eyes and time of extubation after the end of surgery between group A and sham acupuncture group differed significantly, which was earlier in group A. There was no significant difference between group B and sham acupuncture group in terms of eye opening and extubation time. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture on K1 and DU26 accelerates restoring of consciousness and shortens of eye opening and extubation after general anesthesia, but on K1 and DU25 only speeds up retrieving of consciousness without significant effect on time of eye opening or extubation after general anesthesia.

Comparison of Bispectral Index Monitoring With the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool in the Pain Assessment of Intubated Adult Patients After Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Detecting pain is crucial in sedated and mechanically ventilated patients, as they are unable to communicate verbally. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare Bispectral index (BIS) monitoring with the Critical-care pain observation tool (CPOT) and vital signs for pain assessment during painful procedures in intubated adult patients after cardiac surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass graft or valvular surgery) were enrolled in the study. Pain evaluations were performed early after the operation in the intubated and sedated patients by using BIS and CPOT, and also checking the vital signs. The pain assessments were done at three different times: 1) baseline (immediately before any painful procedure, including tracheal suctioning or changing the patient's position), 2) during any painful procedure, and 3) five minutes after the procedure (recovery time). RESULTS: The mean values for CPOT, BIS, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) scores were significantly different at different times; they were increased during suctioning or changing position, and decreased five minutes after these procedures (CPOT: 3.98 ± 1.65 versus 1.31 ± 1.07, respectively (P ≤ 0.0001); BIS: 84.94 ± 10.52 versus 63.48 ± 12.17, respectively (P ≤ 0.0001); MAP: 92.88 ± 15.37 versus 89.77 ± 14.72, respectively (P = 0.003)). Change in heart rate (HR) was not significant over time (95.68 ± 16.78 versus 93.61 ± 16.56, respectively; P = 0.34). CPOT scores were significantly positively correlated with BIS at baseline, during painful stimulation, and at recovery time, but were not correlated with HR or MAP, except at baseline. BIS scores were significantly correlated with MAP but not with HR. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that BIS monitoring can be used for pain assessment along with the CPOT tool in intubated patients, and it is much more sensitive than monitoring of hemodynamic changes. BIS monitoring can be used more efficiently in intubated patients under deep sedation in the ICU.

The effect of combined conventional and modified ultrafiltration on mechanical ventilation and hemodynamic changes in congenital heart surgery.

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with increased fluid accumulation around the heart which influences pulmonary and cardiac diastolic function. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of modified ultrafiltration (MUF) versus conventional ultrafiltration (CUF) on duration of mechanical ventilation and hemodynamic status in children undergoing congenital heart surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 46 pediatric patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass throughout their congenital heart surgery. Arteriovenous MUF plus CUF was performed in 23 patients (intervention group) and sole CUF was performed for other 23 patients (control group). In MUF group, arterial cannula was linked to the filter inlet through the arterial line, and for 10 min, 10 ml/kg/min of blood was filtered and returned via cardioplegia line to the right atrium. Different parameters including hemodynamic variables, length of mechanical ventilation, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay, and inotrope requirement were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: At immediate post-MUF phase, there was a statistically significant increase in the mean arterial pressure, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.05) only in the study group. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in time of mechanical ventilation (P = 0.004) and ICU stay (P = 0.007) between the two groups. Inotropes including milrinone (P = 0.04), epinephrine (P = 0.001), and dobutamine (P = 0.002) were used significantly less frequently for patients in the intervention than the control group. CONCLUSION: Administration of MUF following surgery improves hemodynamic status of patients and also significantly decreases the duration of mechanical ventilation and inotrope requirement within 48 h after surgery.

Heparinized and Saline Solutions in the Maintenance of Arterial and Central Venous Catheters After Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Heparinized saline solution is used to prevent occlusion in the arterial catheters and central venous pressure monitoring catheters. Even at low dose, heparin administration can be associated with serious complications. Normal saline solution can maintain patency of arterial catheters and central venous pressure monitoring catheters. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to compare the efficacy of normal saline with that of heparinized one to maintain patency of arterial and central venous catheters after cardiac surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the current randomized controlled trial, 100 patients, with an age range of 18 - 65 years of valve and coronary artery surgery were studied in Rajaie heart center, Tehran, Iran. Patients were randomized to receive either heparinized saline (n = 50) or normal saline flush solutions (n = 50). In the study, arterial catheters and central venous pressure monitoring catheters were daily checked for any signs of occlusion in three postoperative days as primary end-point of the study. RESULTS: According to the information obtained from the study, four (8%) arterial catheters in the saline group (P value: 0.135) and three (6%) arterial catheters in the heparin group (P value = 0.097) were obstructed. Statistical analysis showed that the incidence of obstruction and changes in all other parameters between the two groups during the three-day follow-up was not significant (all P values > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that there is no difference in the use of heparinized and normal saline solutions to prevent catheter occlusion of arterial and central venous pressure.

Avoiding Heparinization of Arterial Line and Maintaining Acceptable Arterial Waveform After Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Invasive and continuous blood pressure (BP) monitoring is crucial after cardiac surgery. Accuracy of BP measurement mostly depends on patency of arterial catheter and acceptable waveform. Heparinized saline flush usually used for this purpose may be accompanied by potential heparin adverse effects. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare heparinized and non-heparinized saline flush to maintain acceptable arterial waveform after cardiac surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a double blind randomized trial study, 100 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery were randomized to using heparinized (n = 50) or non-heparinized (normal) saline flush (n = 50) to maintain patency of arterial catheter after operation. Indwelling arterial catheters were checked daily for acceptable arterial waveform for three days as primary outcome measures. RESULTS: Frequency of acceptable arterial waveform ranged from 66% to 80%, in first, second and third postoperative days. There were no statistically significant differences between heparinized and non-heparinized saline groups regarding acceptable arterial waveforms in all the three postoperative days (all P values > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Using non-heparinized normal saline is suitable to maintain acceptable arterial waveform for short-term (three days) after adult cardiac surgery considering potential adverse effects of heparin.

Oral Dexmedetomidine Versus Midazolam as Anesthetic Premedication in Children Undergoing Congenital Heart Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Premedication is required for reducing anxiety and child's struggling against mask acceptance on anesthesia in pediatric surgery for congenital heart disease. Midazolam has been widely used for this purpose, but because of its side effects, finding an effective replacement with less complication is necessary. OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we compared the efficacy of oral midazolam versus dexmedetomidine in terms of anxiolysis and mask acceptance behavior. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty children aged between 2 and 12 years, and scheduled for on-pump surgery due to a congenital heart disease were randomly assigned into two groups. Oral midazolam (0.5 mg/kg up to 15 mg per patient) and dexmedetomidine (2 µg/kg) were administered 45 minutes pre-anesthesia. Children's anxiety, mask acceptance behavior, hemodynamic measures, and cardiopulmonary outcomes were recorded and compared. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 3.96 ± 2.04 years. Twenty-eight (46.7%) patients were females. Two drugs have similar effects on cardiopulmonary outcomes and hemodynamic measures (P > 0.05). They equally relieved the children's anxiety (mean sedation score 1.93 ± 0.63 and 2.0 ± 0.63 for midazolam and dexmedetomidine groups, respectively; P > 0.05), while dexmedetomidine showed a better effect on improving the mask acceptance behavior (mean mask acceptance score 2.58 ± 0.6 and 1.6 ± 0.67 for midazolam and dexmedetomidine, respectively; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It appears reasonable to apply oral premedication with dexmedetomidine 45 minutes before transferring the patient to the operating room when he or she is more prone to resist inhalation anesthesia induction.

Hemodynamic Responses to Two Different Anesthesia Regimens in Compromised Left Ventricular Function Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: Etomidate-Midazolam Versus Propofol-Ketamine.

BACKGROUND: Various methods have been suggested to prevent hemodynamic instability caused by propofol and adverse effects caused by etomidate induction. The current study evaluated hemodynamic effects of propofol-ketamine mixture in comparison to etomidate-midazolam mixture during anesthesia induction. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic effects of etomidate-midazolam by comparing it with propofol-ketamine for the induction of anesthesia in patients with left ventricular dysfunction undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One-hundred patients aged between 40 and 65 with coronary artery disease and low ejection fraction scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass surgery participated in this study. The patients were randomly allotted to one of the two groups to receive either propofol-ketamine or etomidate-midazolam combination. Two groups were compared for pain on injection and myoclonus, Heart Rate (HR), Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP), Cardiac Index (CI) and Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR), before and one minute after induction of anesthesia, and one, three and five minutes after intubation. RESULTS: Incidence of pain on injection (2 - 4%) and myoclonus (10%) was less in both groups. The hemodynamic response was similar in the two groups for all variables over the time interval, except for CI at one and three minutes after intubation (P = 0.024 and P = 0.048, respectively), and SVR in five minutes after intubation (P = 0.009), with differences being statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Both anesthetic regimens were acceptable for induction in patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Premedication with oral pregabalin for the prevention of acute postsurgical pain in coronary artery bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND: For coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) sternotomy should be performed. The pain after surgery is severe and requires medical intervention. Use of the analgesics is limited by their side effects and studies suggest that prevention with some medications before surgery is effective in controlling the postoperative pain. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the efficacy of pregabalin administration before surgery in the treatment of acute postoperative pain after CABG surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty patients indicated for elective CABG surgery were randomly allocated to two groups. One group received placebo and the other received 150 mg of oral pregabalin before surgery. Heart rates, blood pressure, respiratory rate, intensive care unit (ICU) stay duration, morphine consumption, and pain score according to the visual analog scale (VAS) were measured and recorded at 4, 12, and 24 hours of surgery. RESULTS: Pregabalin consumption did not alter hemodynamic parameters and was safe in patients after CABG. Its consumption was associated with significant reduction in the pain score (P values were 0.035, 0.026, and 0.047 respectively at 4, 12, and 24 hours of surgery). Its use was not associated with changes in the morphine consumption at 4, 12, and 24 hours of surgery (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Premedication with studied dose of pregabalin is effective for the prevention of postoperative pain in patients after CABG and has no adverse effects. Trials with other treating schedule and doses of the drug should be performed to determine the best treatment plan.

Management of difficult airway with laryngeal mask in a child with mucopolysaccharidosis and mitral regurgitation: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are a group of heredity storage diseases, transmitted in an autosomal recessive manner, associated with the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in various tissues and organs. The concerned patients have multiple concomitant hereditary anomalies. Considering the craniofacial abnormality in these patients, airway management may be difficult for anesthesiologists. In these patients, preanesthetic assessment is necessary and performed with the accurate assessment of airways, consisting of the physical exam and radiography, MRI or CT of head and neck. An anesthesiologist should set up a "difficult intubation set" with a flexible fiber-optic bronchoscope and also, it may be necessary to discuss with an ear-nose and throat (ENT) specialist if required, for unpredicted emergency situations. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case-report we presented a 2-year-old boy with known MPSs with psychomotor retardation, bilateral corneal opacities, impaired hearing and vision, inguinal hernia, severe mitral regurgitation, micrognathia, coarse facial feature, stiff and short neck and restricted mouth opening. He scheduled for left inguinal hernia repair surgery. DISCUSSION: The patient's difficult airway was managed successfully and the anesthesia of his surgical procedure had an uneventful course.

Effects of Moderate Glycemic Control in Type II Diabetes With Insulin on Arterial Blood Gas Parameters Following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is one of the common surgeries in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). It is more probable for patients with diabetes to undergo surgeries due to CAD and they have a higher mortality rate compared to the others. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of insulin infusion therapy on blood gas parameters in two groups of patients, eligible for CABG, defined as A: well controlled diabetes (HbA1C < 7%) and B: non-diabetic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We followed two groups of patients, defined as patients with and without diabetes who were candidates for CABG, between March 2010 and March 2012. Patients with diabetes underwent moderate or semi-tight glycemic control, using continuous intravenous insulin infusion. RESULTS: There were 13 male and 18 female subjects in the on-diabetic group and 11 male and 7 female patients in the controlled diabetic group. There was no significant difference between the studied participants regarding age, cardiac ejection fraction, blood pH and PO2 and PCO2 levels. CONCLUSIONS: CABG surgery adversely affects arterial blood gas (ABG) determinations. On the other hand, findings showed there is no significant difference in the ABG parameters between patients with well controlled diabetes and the ones without.

Modified ultrafiltration during cardiopulmonary bypass and postoperative course of pediatric cardiac surgery.

CONTEXT: The use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) provokes the inflammatory responses associated with ischemic/reperfusion injury, hemodilution and other agents. Exposure of blood cells to the bypass circuit surface starts a systemic inflammatory reaction that may causes post-CPB organ dysfunction, particularly in lungs, heart and brain. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We investigated in the MEDLINE, PUBMED, and EMBASE databases and Google scholar for every available article in peer reviewed journals between 1987 and 2013, for related subjects to CPB with conventional or modified ultrafiltration (MUF) in pediatrics cardiac surgery patients. RESULTS: MUF following separation from extracorporeal circulation (ECC) provides well known advantages in children with improvements in the hemodynamic, pulmonary, coagulation and other organs functions. Decrease in blood transfusion, reduction of total body water, and blood loss after surgery, are additional benefits of MUF. CONCLUSIONS: Consequently, MUF has been associated with attenuation of morbidity after pediatric cardiac surgery. In this review, we tried to evaluate the current evidence about MUF on the organ performance and its effect on post-CPB morbidity in pediatric patients.

A Review of Current Analgesic Techniques in Cardiac Surgery. Is Epidural Worth it?

In this review we addressed the various analgesic techniques in cardiac surgery, especially regional methods such as thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA). There are many techniques available for management of postoperative pain after cardiac operation including intravenous administration of analgesic drugs, infiltration of local anesthetics, nerve blocks, and neuroaxial techniques. Although there are many evidences declaring the benefits of neuroaxial blockade in improving postoperative well-being and quality of care in these patients, some studies have revealed limited effect of TEA on overall morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. On the other hand, some investigators have raised the concern about epidural hematoma in altered coagulation and risks of infection and local anesthetics toxicity during and after cardiac procedures. In present review, we tried to discuss the most recent arguments in the field of this controversial issue. The final conclusion about either using regional anesthesia in cardiac surgery or not has been assigned to the readers.

New aspects of anesthetic management in congenital heart disease "common arterial trunk".

Now-a-days truncus arteriosus has been known as "common arterial trunk" (CAT) and is an uncommon congenital cardiac defect presenting in about 1-3% congenital heart disease. Environmental and genetic factors effects on incidence of CAT and other conotruncal anomalies. The majority patients with CAT and 22q11 deletion have other anomalies such as hypoplasia or aplasia of the thymus or parathyroid glands and immune deficits (T-cell deficiency), calcium metabolism disorder (hypocalcemia), palatal defects, learning and speech disorder, craniofacial anomalies, and neuropsychological abnormalities. CAT without surgical treatment frequently involves early severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) or early death from heart failure and associated conditions. Therefore, without corrective surgical repair, most CAT patients die in the initial years of life. In numerous centers early surgical repair associated with superior than 80% long-standing survival. Anesthesiologist must be performs comprehensive preoperative evaluation of infants or neonates with this disorder. In CAT patient exactly hemodynamic monitoring and suitable techniques to regulate pulmonary vascular resistance and systemic vascular resistance and cardiac function are more important than the select of a special anesthetic drug. Therefore, anesthetic drugs should be carefully administrated and titrate and under monitoring. Management of CAT after surgical repair depends on the adequacy of treatment, cardiac function, level of PAH, and degree of bleeding. Inotropic support is frequently necessary after the cardiac ischemia associated to the surgical repair. Pulmonary vasodilator drugs were used to PAH treatment.

Blood transfusion practice in a referral cardiovascular center in tehran, iran: a critical point of view.

BACKGROUND: Unnecessary perioperative transfusions are likely to be related to increased morbidity and additional costs in cardiac surgery. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the blood transfusion practice during and after adult cardiac surgery in a referral university hospital in Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a descriptive study, we collected data from 153 adult patients underwent cardiac surgery at Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Tehran, Iran from January to March 2013. The variables were patients' demographic, operative and post-operative data and the numbers of transfused packed red blood cell (PC) units and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) during and after cardiac surgery. Then we evaluated patients' and physicians' related causes of relatively increased transfusion rate in our patients and compared them with literature. RESULTS: Of 153 patients, 96.8% received PC and 54.9% transfused FFP during or after surgery. Most of the transfusions were done after operation in intensive care unit (ICU). Also, 20% and 17% of the patients underwent transfusion of more than 6 units of PC and FFP, respectively. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction of the patients was 42.5 ± 10.9%. A significant number of patients had anemia (especially women) or received anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents preoperatively. Thirteen percent of the patients underwent emergency operations and 12.3% had re-exploration. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that the cardiac surgery patients receive a relatively greater number of PC or FFP units during and after the operation in our center. This finding may be explained to some extent by the fact that the sicker and more co-morbid patients referred to our center and such patients are more anemic and undergoing more emergent and complex procedures. Moreover, Transfusion strategy or protocol should be updated, especially after the operation in ICU.