Plasma predeposit: the role of productive plasmapheresis

At the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, as part of our autotransfusion program, we have recently had the possibility to introduce plasma predeposit by means of productive plasmapheresis in patients undergoing major orthopaedic surgery, in which bleeding more than 50-60% of circulating blood mass was expected and so a greater quantity of plasma compared to red blood cells was considered necessary. Red cells and fresh frozen plasma predeposits and perioperative blood recovery was sufficient to cover transfusional needs. In our opinion, plasma predepositing by plasmapheresis is indicated in patients with anaemia, cardiopathy and/or vasculopathy, minute constitution.