Which factor is most likely to contribute to thrombocytopenia after CABG surgery?

Prepare for the Cardiac Surgery Certification Exam with quizzes. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions enhanced with hints and explanations. Get ready to excel in your CSC exam!

Thrombocytopenia, or a low platelet count, can occur after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery due to several interrelated factors. Each of the options listed contributes to this condition, making the selection of all of the above as the correct answer appropriate.

The use of the intra-aortic balloon pump can lead to mechanical destruction of platelets as the device interacts with the blood, particularly if there is turbulence in flow or shear stress that affects platelet integrity.

Additionally, platelet activation during cardiopulmonary bypass is a significant contributor to thrombocytopenia. During the procedure, blood comes in contact with the artificial surfaces of the cardiopulmonary bypass machine, which can activate platelets and consume them as they aggregate, leading to a reduction in their numbers.

Heparin, an anticoagulant commonly used during and after surgery to prevent thrombosis, can also induce thrombocytopenia. This occurs through a mechanism known as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), which is an immune-mediated response that can lead to a decrease in platelet count.

Given these mechanisms, the factors outlined in the choices contribute to thrombocytopenia after CABG surgery collectively, highlighting the complexity of the condition and the

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