Cardiology (see more articles like this)

More than 12 million Americans receive anti-clotting medication heparin during open-heart surgery each year. More than 120 thousand of those people have allergies to the medication (which can cause life-threatening complications) and don’t know it. Now, patients with heparin allergies have new hope.

Last year, Florida Hospital began a research study called “CHOOSE ON Pump” for patients with problems with heparin. The study is testing a new medication called Angiomax® (bivalirudin) to replace heparin as an anti-clotting medication during open-heart surgery. “This medication may extend the life of patients with a heparin allergy who would otherwise be considered at high risk for complications during open-heart surgery,” said Florida Hospital Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon Joseph Boyer.

When Apopka resident Norman Flowers, 84, found out he had problems with his heart, he had no idea that he would eventually lose part of his leg as a result. After his first open-heart surgery eight years ago, Flowers discovered he had an allergy to heparin. As a result, part of his leg was amputated. After several years, it became evident that Flowers would need another open-heart surgery. But since he was allergic to heparin, he needed another option.

Last year, Flowers enrolled in the “CHOOSE ON Pump” study and, thanks in part to Angiomax, came through his second open-heart surgery with flying colors. “I am so thankful that my life has been extended as a result of the study and my recent surgery. I am feeling great and will hopefully now be able to enjoy my six grandchildren for a long time to come.” 

Florida Hospital has long been on the cutting-edge of research in this area. About two years ago, researchers at the Florida Hospital Institute of Translational Research teamed up with Florida Hospital cardiovascular surgeons to study the development of allergic reactions in patients given heparin during open-heart surgery. “The research we did with heparin was groundbreaking and life saving,” said Dr. John Francis, director of the Florida Hospital Institute of Translational Research. “We showed that a heparin allergy was very common after cardiac surgery. As a result, Florida Hospital – and many other hospitals – have become much more aware of the risks of heparin allergy, and have switched to a type of blood thinner or anti-clotting medication that is less likely to cause the problem. This research laid the foundation for many of the studies which are currently being done.”