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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Comparison of autoreinfusion and standard drainage systems in total joint arthroplasty patients
Insights
The Constavac autoreinfusion device did not prove more cost-effective or beneficial than the standard Hemovac suction device for total joint arthroplasty patients. This study suggests the Constavac is not recommended for knee or hip replacement surgery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Health Economics
Background:
- Postoperative blood loss is a concern in total joint arthroplasty.
- Autotransfusion devices aim to recover and reinfuse drained blood.
- Standard suction drains typically discard blood loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the costs and outcomes of the Constavac autoreinfusion device versus the Hemovac suction device.
- To evaluate the efficacy of postoperative blood management in total joint arthroplasty.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 91 patients undergoing knee or hip arthroplasty.
- Patients were assigned to either the Constavac or Hemovac group post-surgery.
- Cost and outcome data were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- The study found no support for the use of the Constavac device.
- The Constavac did not demonstrate superior outcomes or cost-effectiveness compared to the Hemovac.
- Findings were based on a limited and homogeneous patient sample.
Conclusions:
- The Constavac autoreinfusion device is not recommended for patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty.
- Further research with diverse patient populations may be warranted.
- Standard Hemovac drainage may be sufficient for managing blood loss in these procedures.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to compare the costs and outcomes of the postoperative autoreinfusion device, the Constavac, with the standard suction device, the Hemovac, in which blood drainage is discarded, in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty of the knee or hip. At the completion of the surgical procedure, a total of 91 subjects were randomly assigned to one of the two device groups. The findings of this study, which included a limited homogeneous sample, do not support the use of the Constavac device in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty.
