[Fresh autologus blood transfusion during open heart surgery (author's transl)]

Hemodynamic parameters were measured in 80 unselected patients prior to cardiopulmonary bypass for a variety of a operative procedures. Isovolemic blood withdrawel up to 24.7 ml/kg or 10 gms% and 30% hematocrit during sternotomy using ACD blood storage containers was carried out prior to bypass. Moderate hemodilution during bypass with postbypass autologous blood transfusion resulted in 60% of the study group not requiring homologous blood. The mean post-operative blood loss in this group was 245 ml. The remaining 40% received up to 1550 ml homologous blood with 820 ml mean post-operative blood loss. Omission or reduction of homologous blood requirement decreases the risk of shock lung, saves clotting factors and reduces strain on blood banking facilities.