Development of a microfluidic device for the assessment of hemostatic function

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The monitoring and management of the hemostatic balance in neonatal and pediatric patients remains challenging. Although several conditions/procedures are known to have great impact in altering hemostatic function in this population, the differences between childhood and adulthood hemostasis make it challenging to determine and monitor the appropriate treatment(s). Furthermore, the systems that are available are mostly tailored for use in adult patients (they requirelarge sample volumes for testing). Cardiac surgery for children with congenital heart defects represents an important indication where hemostatic monitoring is essential to determine the need for transfusion or anticoagulation. Congenital heart disease occurs in 0.8% of live births and the prevalence of transfusion during these procedures remains as high as 80%. However, several studies have shown that the liberal use of transfusions is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, infection and lon