Blood conservation in cardiac surgery

Lynne Anderson1

  • 1Department of Anaesthetics, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Beardrnore Street, Clydebank, G81 4HX. lynne.anderson@gjnh.scot.nhs.uk

Cardiac surgery is one of the largest users of blood and blood products--currently estimated at 15% of U.K. blood stocks. While the blood supply could be considered to be the safest it has ever been, there are well recognised risks associated with the transfusion of red cells and blood products. It is appropriate that attempts should be made to decrease and optimise the transfusion of blood and blood products.