About one third of all blood components
transfused intraoperatively is used in cardiac surgery,
whereas mortality of cardiosurgical patients correlates
nearly linear with the number of transfused units of
packed red blood cells. Acquired platelet function disorders
play a major role in perioperative bleeding in cardiac
surgery. Therefore, the use of point-of-care-suitable
platelet function analyzers seems to be reasonable in this
field. Methods: Platelet function analyzer PFA-100®, rotational
thrombelastometry (ROTEM®), and multiple
platelet function analyzer (Multiplate®) are in principle
applicable for point-of-care testing. Since these three analyzers
monitor different aspects of platelet function and
have different limitations, the selection of the right test
system depends on the right question. Results: Perioperative
use of platelet function analyzers is helpful in prediction
of blood loss in cardiac surgery. Perioperative
usage of blood components and their respective costs
can be reduced by an appropriate coagulation management.
Conclusion: Algorithms for perioperative coagulation
management based on point-of-care testing permit a
fast diagnostic and goal-directed therapy of coagulation
and functional platelet disorders. The possibility to reduce
the mortality of patients and the overall cost for
hospital stay is subject of further studies.