A targeted coagulation therapy during intra- and postoperative care for cardiac surgical patients needs an accurate knowledge of their hemostatic conditions. For the purpose of coagulation diagnosis, many institutions take blood samples and send them to the central clinical chemist. After analysis and validation, results are transmitted electronically, which might prolong the time required to derive therapeutic interventions.

In recent years, point-of-care testing (POCT) devices for the diagnosis of patients who are coagulopathic have become increasingly important. In a neurosurgical trial, Beynon et al [1] showed that the use of POCT markedly reduced the time to receive clotting parameter results in comparison to conventional laboratory analyses. Moreover, the quality of the results (eg, the international normalized ratio and conventional laboratory results) in POCT also showed a high correlation in values [2].

POCT devices have been routinely used for guiding intra- and postoperative targeted coagulation therapy for years in our clinic. The devices in use include the rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) delta and Multiplate. For the purpose of analysis, a whole blood sample is pipetted and mixed with test reagents. Depending on the selected reagents, different steps of the coagulation cascade can be evaluated, and, according to each parameter result, an appropriate therapy can be derived.

A coagulation algorithm based on those measurements has been developed in our clinic, and a modified version for cardiac surgery has been used successfully for years in perioperative coagulation management [3]. The algorithm requires additional information on the platelet function, which is also carried out as a standard practice on the bedside using the Multiplate device.

The Quantra Analyzer system from HemoSonics, a new system for hemostasis analysis, has recently become available on the market [4]. The Quantra system also allows the analysis of a whole blood sample on the bedside. Moreover, due to the fully sealed cartridge system of the Quantra, pipetting of a whole blood sample is no longer necessary and hence avoids the time-consuming and potentially error-prone procedure. In addition, the risk of infection for the examiner is smaller. An evaluation of the platelet activity for the Quantra device system in a cardiac surgical patient trial, [5] as well as the comparability procedures with ROTEM measures has already been assessed [5,6].

In this first interventional study, our main objective is to show the noninferiority of a new Quantra-based hemotherapy algorithm in comparison to an existing algorithm based on the ROTEM delta and Multiplate used in our clinical routine. We expect comparable results in the effects of stabilizing coagulation after cardiosurgical interventions and postoperative blood loss.

To guarantee effective coagulation management during cardiosurgical interventions, we already use a coagulation algorithm adapted to the results of point-of-care measurements for coagulation and platelet function.

In our clinic the ROTEM device is used to analyze clotting time, clot formation, clot stiffness, and the dissolution of the clot (fibrinolysis). In addition to ROTEM, we use the Multiplate system to obtain information about the platelet function and to detect a possible presence of adenosine-diphosphate (ADP) antagonists like Clopidogrel (ADPtest) or cyclooxygenase-inhibitors (arachiconic acid test). Based on the results of the ROTEM and Multiplate system, we administer a systematic coagulation therapy in accordance with an already existing algorithm.

A new system, the Quantra Hemostasis Analyzer (Figure 1) is based on sonic estimation of elasticity via resonance. Sonorheometric technology uses high-frequency ultrasound for analyzing changes in viscoelastic properties of whole blood samples (Figure 2). For this purpose, a cartridge with four channels, containing different reagents in every channel, is used (see Table 1).

The user inserts a whole blood sample (collected in a 2.7 ml sodium citrate tube) into the cartridge (QPlus cartridge, Figure 3). The four tests run simultaneously and in a self-contained system. An ultrasound pulse, which is transmitted into the blood sample chamber, generates a shear wave as it clots. Thus, the resonance generated by the displacement of a developing clot in the blood sample is recorded. A series of ultrasound pulses is necessary to estimate the sample’s motion. The generated shear wave modulus (stiffness) of the blood is then measured at precise time points [7].

The Quantra system has already been used for evaluation of hemostatic function in critical care and operative settings, and was compared with laboratory parameters and ROTEM [5,7].

The study is divided into two phases (see Figure 4). Recruiting started in September 2019. It is planned to include 20 patients in phase one and 144 patients in phase two. The estimated end of the study is calculated to be December 2020.

Inclusion criteria will be patients 18 years of age or older undergoing elective cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass.

Patients without written consent or missing data will be excluded.

In an initial phase, 20 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery will be examined at the following three time points, using the ROTEM and Multiplate, as well as the Quantra.

The data obtained will be used to evaluate results and threshold values for therapy. Those results will serve to review and adapt the already existing algorithm used in our clinic. All therapeutic decisions at this time will still be made based on the existing coagulation algorithm using the ROTEM and Multiplate results.

After adapting the existing algorithm to the Quantra POCT results, the second phase will follow to evaluate the use of the new algorithm. For this purpose, 144 patients will be randomized into two groups. Patients of the Quantra group (QG) will be treated according to the new algorithm, while the comparison, or standard group (SG), will be treated using the existing algorithm. All relevant data will be entered in a case report form. Table 2 gives an overview of the tests within the various phases of the study compared with the measurements commonly used in our clinic before, during, and after surgery.

As this is a pilot study, sample size was calculated based on the existing literature and our own clinical data. Our own data suggest that moderate blood loss of 650 mL is expected within 24 hours after surgery.

To determine the required number of cases for a statistical power of 80%, it was assumed that the blood loss in both groups would be normally distributed. In-house data shows that blood loss is, for obvious reasons, not normally distributed, and a difference of 150 mL corresponds to a Mann-Whitney estimator of 0.363. Therefore, the one-sided noninferiority test requires a total of 140 evaluable patients (70 in each group) to obtain a statistical power of 80%. To compensate for 2 patients per group being lost to follow-up each groups’ target size is 72 patients. This results in a total population of 144 patients.

A one-sided significance level of alpha 2.5% will be used in proving the noninferiority of the QG compared to the SG. The noninferiority limit has been set to 150 mL. For testing, a nonparametric Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U test will be used for one-sided tests of superiority. In the initial Quantra group 150 mL will be subtracted from the primary target test, as this corresponds to a nonparametric variant of a usual noninferiority test with the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U test.

Quantra clot stiffness values are expressed in hectopascals, whereas corresponding ROTEM values are expressed as an amplitude (A) in mm. The relationship between A in mm and shear modulus (G) in pascals is not linear. For a proper comparison, the ROTEM A (mm) needs to be converted to pascals by using the following formula: G (pascals) = (500 x A) / (100 – A), as described by Solomon C et al [8].