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Salvage autotransfusion in aortic surgery: initial studies using a disposable reservoir
P C Clifford1, A R Kruger, A Smith
1Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal South Hants Hospital, Southampton, UK.
The British Journal of Surgery
|August 1, 1987
Summary
Salvage intraoperative autotransfusion significantly reduces bank blood needs in aortic surgery patients. This technique safely reinfused shed blood, decreasing transfusion requirements by 70% with no major complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Transfusion Medicine
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Allogeneic transfusions carry risks of disease transmission.
- Autotransfusion, using a patient's own blood, is a viable alternative.
- Salvage autotransfusion reinfuses blood lost during surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of salvage intraoperative autotransfusion in patients undergoing aortic surgery.
- To determine the impact of this technique on bank blood requirements.
Main Methods:
- Sixty patients undergoing aortic surgery were enrolled.
- Intraoperative shed blood was salvaged and reinfused under heparinization.
- Blood loss, reinfused volume, and bank blood usage were monitored.
Main Results:
- A mean of 895 ml of shed blood was reinfused per patient.
- Bank blood requirements decreased from 4.9 to 3.4 units per patient (a 70% reduction).
- No significant hematological or clinical complications were observed, though minor hemolysis was detected postoperatively.
Conclusions:
- Salvage intraoperative autotransfusion is applicable and effective in elective vascular surgery.
- This method significantly reduces the need for allogeneic blood transfusions.
- Further studies are warranted to fully assess long-term outcomes and potential complications.