Norwich plumber involved in world-first 'blood powder' trial at Cambs hospital
It will be given to patients who are higher risk of bleeding during complex cardiac operations
Last updated 27th Nov 2023
A Norwich man has become the first globally to be recruited to a new international heart surgery research trial.
The trial at the Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge is investigating a new type of ‘blood product powder’ which helps blood to clot naturally. It will be given to patients who are higher risk of bleeding during complex cardiac operations.
If successful, it could significantly cut the need for blood products, improve outcomes and remove the need for blood to be cross-matched between donor and recipient.
“This is a very exciting new study being run at 13 hospitals across five countries in Europe”, said Professor Andrew Klein, Consultant Anaesthetist, who is leading the study at Royal Papworth Hospital.
The study is supported in the UK by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
“If a patient bleeds at the end of their operation, we would normally give them donated blood, such as cryoprecipitate which helps the blood to clot, and red blood cells and plasma to replace their lost blood,” continued Professor Klein.
“This new type of ‘powder’ is infused into patients before bleeding occurs, with the hope it prevents bleeding in the first place.”
The powder – a type of fibrinogen concentrate - is created from waste products in donated blood, separated and dried.
Because it can be stored in small vials, it takes up less storage space than bags of blood and can be stored at room temperature.
It also has a much longer shelf-life of around two years – compared to blood which is a few months - and does not require ‘blood matching’ to take place. That means anyone can receive it, regardless of their blood type.
Greg, a plumber from Norwich, is the first patient to be recruited to this new heart surgery research trial.
In Greg’s case, he had mitral valve regurgitation, a condition in which the flap does not close properly, causing a backward flow of blood back to the heart, affecting how blood flows around the body.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to the be the first patient randomised to the trial,” said Greg.
“When I was approached about taking part, it was something that I was more than happy to contribute towards.
“I’m very grateful for the support that the NHS has given me, so if I can help be involved in something that proves beneficial for others in the future, then I’m more than happy to do so.
“Heart issues have unfortunately run in my family,” Greg went on to explain.
The operation to repair Greg’s mitral valve was successful, and he was discharged home from Royal Papworth Hospital six days later.
In total, it is hoped that 620 participants will be recruited to the double-blind study across Europe. Some patients will receive the drug while others will receive a placebo.