Autotransfusion of drained mediastinal blood

The Sorenson equipment for transfusion of drained mediastinal blood has been widely used in the United States. We have tested its use postoperatively in 10 patients, assessing its ease of use from the medical and nursing views as well as analyzing the blood constituents which would be infused into the patients. The hemoglobin content of the infused drainage averaged 6 g/dl compared with 12 g/dl in the patients' blood. Platelet counts were very low, averaging 15 X 10(9)/l compared with levels of 110 X 10(9)/l for the patient. Platelet aggregation in response to ADP stimuli was assessed and was grossly deficient in the collected blood showing that the platelets that were present were not capable of aggregating. Protein and electrolyte levels were substantially the same in both series of specimens. Handling difficulties with the equipment together with these rather disappointing hematological results suggest that the equipment is only useful where excessive postoperative bleeding is encountered or where there is particular need to conserve red blood cells.