Normalizing Anti-Thrombin III for heparin management during routine cardiopulmonary bypass for congenital cardiothoracic surgery: A single institution practice review.

Implementation of AT-III monitoring and therapy before and during CPB in conjunction with the HMS allows patients to maintain a steady state of anticoagulation with overall less need for excessive heparin replacement and potentially thrombin activation. The result is obtaining a steady state of anticoagulation, a reduced fluctuation in the heparin and ACT levels and a potential for lower co-morbidities associated with prolonged CPB times.