Retained Blood Syndrome After Cardiac Surgery: A New Look at an Old Problem

Area of Science:

• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Postoperative Complications
• Medical Syndromes

Background:

• Retained blood post-cardiothoracic surgery arises from inadequate drainage.
• This can lead to mechanical and inflammatory complications during acute, subacute, and chronic recovery phases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the clinical syndrome of retained blood throughout the recovery spectrum.
• To review literature on retained blood-induced complications and poor outcomes.
• To introduce the novel label 'retained blood syndrome'.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
• Analysis of published reports on retained blood and its sequelae.

Main Results:

• Retained blood syndrome affects 13.8% to 22.7% of cardiac surgical patients.
• Complications manifest acutely, subacutely, or chronically via distinct pathophysiologic mechanisms.
• Retained blood syndrome is associated with postoperative atrial fibrillation, infection, and hospital readmission.

Conclusions:

• Retained blood syndrome is a prevalent, multifactorial condition following cardiothoracic surgery.
• Effective clinical strategies to improve surgical drainage are needed.
• Preventing retained blood can reduce postoperative complications and improve patient outcomes.