[Experiences with the Haemonetics cell saver]

The Haemonetics-Cell-Saver offers a new method for autotransfusion. It was used in 25 patients intraoperatively as well as in the intensive care ward. Total blood losses amounted to 67 l, of which 47.7 l could be recollected into the sterile processing system. Thus 17.8 l of washed red cell concentrates with an average haemoglobin content of 17.8 g/dl and a haematocrit of 53.8% could be produced, which corresponded to a 53% recovery of RBC loss. Activators of haemostasis and cell debris were successfully eliminated. Changes in cellular and fluid homeostasis and in exogenic and endogenous clotting parameters following autotransfusion were studied.