Reversal of ε-Aminocaproic Acid-Induced Massive Thromboemboli Using Tissue Plasminogen Activator During Cardiac Surgery: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT

ε-Aminocaproic acid is routinely used in cardiac surgery to prevent excess bleeding. It is rarely associated with thrombotic events. This case report illustrates the formation of intracardiac thrombi leading to massive pulmonary embolism during a coronary artery bypass graft surgery, secondary to the administration of ε-aminocaproic acid as confirmed by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiogram. After a failure of resolution with high-dose heparin, tissue plasminogen activator was used to successfully reverse the patient's hypercoagulable state.