Platelet Function Testing Help and Intraoperative Bleeding Risk for Patients Who Are on Plavix Prior to Surgery

A large number of patients are currently on Antiplatelet inhibition using aspirin or Plavix
therapy (A Thieno pyridine - ADP mediated platelet inhibitor). A group of these patients
often require Cardiac and/or Vascular surgical procedures. These patients are at a higher
risk for perioperative bleeding complications and higher re-operation/re-exploration for
bleeding and subsequent blood product transfusions.

The aim of this protocol is to assess platelet function via the "Verify Now" device prior to
surgery. The Verify Now device requires a small drop of fresh blood for each sample and is
an FDA approved device.

Our initial goal is to establish if a certain degree of platelet function abnormality can
predict a higher bleeding complication or higher transfusions (Phase I, 20 patients). This
initial study will allow us to determine a sample size for Phase II. Phase II will maintain
the same protocol, however after completion of Phase I, a more accurate sample size
determination can be made. Additionally, we want to establish if knowledge of platelet
dysfunction will change procedure technique or preparation to lower bleeding and/or lead to
cancellation/rescheduling of procedure (Phase III).

Participants will be those patients who are taking plavix and are undergoing vascular or
cardiac surgery. They will undergo a platelet function evaluation measured as Platelet
Response Unit (PRU) via the "verify now" device on admission/pre surgery. This test involves
taking 1 drop of blood from the patient, one time, before the procedure. The Verify Now
device is FDA approved.

Perioperative bleeding will be assessed by absolute drop in hematocrit immediate post-op
compared to the immediate preoperative value. An additional discharge hematocrit will be
used if no blood products have been used during the initial hospital stay. Hematocrit
evaluation via a complete blood count is a part of standard patient care. Additionally,
utilization of blood products (factors, PLT, PRBC's, etc.) will be assessed.

In order to conduct the research, patients will be identified by reviewing the OR schedule.
All consecutive patients on ASA/Plavix will be mailed a letter in order to introduce them to
the study. The letter provides a phone number to call if the patient does NOT want to
receive a phone call from the investigative staff. This letter is uploaded under item 18-02
of the study application. If patients do not call the office, then the investigative staff
will call the potential participants to introduce the study. Final consent will be completed
in PACU on arrival at the hospital for planned surgical procedure.

A Hematocrit will be performed on the consented patient preoperatively, immediately post-op,
and at discharge. A PRU will be assessed using a few drops of the patients' blood
preoperatively (PACU). Patients' records will be reviewed to assess use of blood products.
No additional follow up is required.

Patients' care will be no different than current standard of care, other than the 1 "verify
now" test, which is done before the procedure.