Intraoperative whole blood autotransfusion during venous thrombectomy

Intraoperative autotransfusion is currently performed using two different systems, the relatively expensive cell-saving device washes and concentrates red cells and the more simple, economical total disposable device for whole blood collection and retransfusion. Some institutions prefer the cell-saving device because of previously documented side-effects of whole blood autotransfusion. As some investigators more recently reported the application of whole blood autotransfusion without clinical complications, the potential hazards of whole blood autotransfusion are now being controversially discussed.

The potential side-effects using whole blood autotransfusion were studied in 100 patients prospectively undergoing venous thrombectomy. The effectiveness of homologous transfusion reduction was assessed in comparison with an historical patient group (n = 10, control group).

In the study population a mean of 1064 ml shed blood (67% of total blood loss) was retransfused. A mean of 247 +/- 292 ml of homologous blood was transfused in the study group. In contrast, homologous blood requirement was significantly higher (1056 +/- 659 ml, p < 0.006) in the control group. No hematologic, hemeostatic, renal or pulmonary complications occurred after intraoperative whole blood autotransfusion.

Whole blood autotransfusion is a safe, easy and economical procedure and highly effective in reducing homologous blood transfusions and costs.