The platelet in cardiopulmonary bypass

Platelets are the smallest of the blood cells and are known to be activated during cardiopulmonary bypass. They play a role in many associated complic ations. Both quantitative and qualitative platelet defects have been demons trated, resulting in microvascular hemorrhage and thromboembolism. As their interactions with endothelium and other blood cells are unraveled, the imp ortant contribution they make toward the systemic inflammatory response to operation seen in cardiopulmonary bypass is increasingly evident. In this r eview, we consider platelet activation during cardiopulmonary bypass, the r esultant clinical effects, and potential approaches to therapy and preventi on. (C) 1998 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.