[Peroperative recovery of blood]

With the first autotransfusion systems blood was aspirated by the surgeon, anticoagulated and immediately reinfused to the patient. Modern devices convert salvaged blood to a concentrated red cell solution almost devoid of anticoagulant and free hemoglobin. Autotransfusion reduces blood bank requirements in aortic, cardiac and orthopedic surgery; however septic and/or neoplastic contamination of the surgical field precludes the use of this technique. Massive autotransfusion may induce dilution of platelets and coagulation factors sometimes responsible of coagulopathy. Widespread use of autotransfusion is still limited not only by the cost of the devices but also by the need for trained staff to operate the system.