[Intraoperative autotransfusion in aortic aneurysm operations combined with temporary external shunt]

Intraoperative autotransfusion was done in nine patients who underwent major vascular surgery for thoracic aortic aneurysms including one total abdominal aneurysm using temporal external shunt. After general heparinization (1mg/kg), shed blood was collected by Sorenson Autotransfusion System with local heparinization. After confirming ACT longer than 300-400 second, 425-3700 ml, averaged 1804 ml, of shed blood was reinfused to the patients by gravity flow. The reinfusion rate of shed blood was 43.1 +/- 15.8%. There were no deaths and no complications referable to autotransfusion. Although mild hemolysis was observed immediately after surgery, plasma free hemoglobin level returned to normal in the first operative day and no renal failure occurred. The volume of bleeding after surgery was not differed from that of control. Microembolism was not evident clinically. We concluded that intraoperative autotransfusion is safe and useful procedure in major vascular surgery if proper anticoagulation is done.