A major international clinical trial led by Dr. Keyvan Karkouti is being recognized for its potential to change bleeding management in cardiac surgery. The Canadian Transfusion Trials Group (CTTG) has awarded the FARES-II trial its inaugural “Paper of the Year” award, recognizing the study’s significant contribution to transfusion science and perioperative patient care.
Presented during the CTTG Annual Meeting on April 24 in Canmore, Alberta, the award recognizes peer-reviewed research that represents a significant advancement in transfusion science. Dr. Karkouti accepted the honour on behalf of the international FARES-II Study Group, a multidisciplinary collaboration of more than 30 researchers and transfusion medicine experts.
CTTG co-director Donald Arnold emphasized both the clinical urgency and the innovation behind the trial: “Bleeding during cardiac surgery can be life-threatening and requires rapid, coordinated treatments,” he said. “The FARES-II trial highlights the importance of replacing blood clotting factors with prothrombin complex concentrates over plasma transfusions.”
He added that the conditions under which the study was conducted make it particularly noteworthy: “What makes this study even more of a feat was the fact that it was conducted during surgical bleeding emergencies, setting the stage for future transfusion trials in cardiac surgery.”
Up to 15 per cent of patients undergoing cardiac surgery experience excessive bleeding, making rapid and effective treatment critical. Traditionally, frozen plasma has been the standard therapy. However, the FARES-II trial suggests that PCC may be more effective in managing bleeding while also reducing serious adverse events and acute kidney injuries.
The findings are considered potentially practice-changing for cardiac surgeons, cardiac anesthesiologists and perioperative care teams worldwide. In addition to improving patient outcomes, PCC offers important logistical advantages over frozen plasma, including faster preparation and administration and significantly lower infusion volumes.
Dr. Karkouti is Vice Chair, Clinical Affairs in the Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine and Chief of the Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management for Sinai Health, University Health Network (UHN) and Women’s College Hospital. He is an internationally recognized leader in cardiac anesthesia, transfusion medicine and perioperative blood management.
Congratulations to Dr. Karkouti and the entire FARES-II Study Group on this outstanding achievement and important contribution to patient care.
The CCTG is a national research network dedicated to advancing high-quality clinical trials that improve transfusion practice in Canada and internationally.
