Use of danaparoid sodium (Orgaran (R)) as an alternative to heparin sodiumduring cardiopulmonary bypass: a clinical evaluation of six cases

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) has become more prevalent in today's cardiac setting and has resulted in the need for alternative anticoagulant therapies. Danaparoid sodium, one alternative to heparin, has been used in six cardiop ulmonary bypass procedures in this hospital. This clinical experience has r esulted in the progressive refinement of a protocol for the 'safe' clinical use of danaparoid sodium. Although there were six positive outcomes with the use of danaparoid sodium , alternatives must be explored in order to find the optimal anticoagulant for the treatment of HIT.