Hemotensiometry: A New Technique for the Study of Hemostasis in Open-Heart Surgery

Hemotensiometry is a new technique utilizing the principle of gas activation of clotting factors in vitro. The method has proved beneficial in open-heart operations because of its ability to determine the status of heparin anticoagulation and protamine neutralization rapidly and accurately at any given instant. Measurement of heparin levels takes about 5 minutes and requires 1.5 ml. of blood per assay. Prolonged hemorrhage from inadequate heparin neutralization may thus be prevented with the use of the Hemometer and hemotensiometric methods which we have developed.