Successful Case of Double Valve Replacement Surgery Using Autologous Blood Transfusion: A Patient's Autonomy...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Transfusion Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Autotransfusion systems, or blood cell savers, collect, wash, and reinfuse a patient's own blood during surgery.
• This case report details the use of a blood cell saver in a patient undergoing combined mitral and aortic valve replacement who refused allogeneic blood transfusions due to religious beliefs.

Observation:

• A 55-year-old male patient underwent complex cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.
• Intraoperative recovery yielded 1430 mL of red blood cells (40% hematocrit), and postoperative recovery (24 hours) yielded 690 mL (35% hematocrit).

Findings:

• The autologous blood transfusion maintained adequate hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.
• The patient experienced no postoperative infections and achieved a rapid, complete recovery, being discharged on the ninth postoperative day.

Implications:

• Blood cell savers can facilitate complex cardiac surgeries for patients who refuse allogeneic blood transfusions, upholding patient autonomy.
• This technology ensures safe, effective autologous blood management, leading to excellent clinical outcomes and reducing reliance on donor blood.