The Fate of Von Willebrand Factor Concentrate During Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Case Report

Abstract

Management of coagulation in patients with von Willebrand Disease (VWD) during Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB) is made feasible by the availability of human plasma-derived factor VIII/von Willebrand factor complex concentrates (HPD-FVIII/VWF). Literature supports management using these factors, however their pharmacokinetic properties during CPB remain unknown. We measured the levels and activity of von Willebrand factor during mitral valve replacement of a 16-year-old female with symptomatic VWD. Our findings provide novel evidence that HPD-FVIII/VWF remains in circulation and active after exposure to the CPB circuit. This supports the efficacy of HPD-FVIII/VWF for hemostasis during CPB in patients with VWD.