The effect of local application of tranexamic acid to reduce blood loss after off pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)

Method Total 150 patients were enrolled in this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, prospective clinical trial scheduled for primary isolated off pump coronary artery bypass grafting, divided in 2 groups (each group consisting of 100 patients). Patients with coagulopathies, renal failure, re-do surgery, or recent anti-platelet treatment were excluded. Tranexamic acid (TA) group (75 patients) received 1 gram of TA diluted in 100 ml normal saline. Placebo group (75 patients) received 100 ml of normal saline only. The solution was purred in the pericardial and mediastinal cavities before sternal closure. Postoperative blood loss, need for transfusion of blood products and the rate of re-sternotomy for bleeding were documented.