Perfusing the Jehovah's witness patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia

Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an uncommon, yet dangerous side-effect of heparin therapy. The problems associated with the HIT patient while undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass increase dramatically when the patient is also of Jehovah's Witness faith. This case report depicts the techniques utilized and the decisions made over the course of a simple surgical procedure for an extremely high-risk patient.