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The plasma collection system: a new concept in autotransfusion
R L Tawes1, G R Sydorak, T B Duvall
1Vascular Surgery Associates, San Mateo, California 94401.
Annals of Vascular Surgery
|October 1, 1989
Summary
The Haemonetics Cell-Saver system now includes a plasma collection technique to salvage platelet-rich plasma. This innovation reduces postoperative bleeding and reliance on homologous blood transfusions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Transfusion Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Autotransfusion techniques, like the Haemonetics Cell-Saver, have been used extensively since 1979, salvaging over 11,000 units of packed red blood cells.
- Coagulopathy is a common postoperative complication in cardiac, vascular, and orthopedic surgeries due to factors like hypothermia, shock, and the removal of clotting factors and platelets during autotransfusion.
- The use of fresh-frozen plasma and platelet transfusions to manage coagulopathy can negate the benefits of autotransfusion, such as preventing disease transmission and transfusion reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a novel plasma collection system designed to salvage platelet-rich plasma during autotransfusion.
- To assess the efficacy of the new system in reducing postoperative bleeding and the need for homologous blood components.
- To demonstrate how this system enhances existing autotransfusion methods for complete autologous blood transfusion.
Main Methods:
- The study details the implementation of the Haemonetics plasma collection system, a new adjunct to the existing Cell-Saver autotransfusion technique.
- The system is designed to salvage up to 1,000 cc of platelet-rich plasma.
- A step-by-step guide to the plasma collection system's operation is provided.
Main Results:
- Early clinical experience indicates that the plasma collection system significantly decreases the incidence of postoperative bleeding.
- The technique leads to a reduced requirement for homologous (banked) blood and blood components.
- The system effectively augments red blood cell conservation achieved by the Cell-Saver.
Conclusions:
- The integrated autotransfusion system, combining red blood cell salvage and platelet-rich plasma collection, offers a comprehensive approach to autologous blood management.
- This advanced technique addresses coagulopathy more effectively, minimizing the need for allogeneic blood products.
- The development represents a significant step towards achieving complete autologous blood transfusion, enhancing patient safety and reducing transfusion-related risks.