Development of the membrane autotransfusion system prototype-II: MATS-II

This article is the second of a two-part series describing a membrane autotransfusion system, MATS, utilizing plasmapheresis technology. Based on experiences obtained from the first prototype (MATS-I), optimum blood filtration parameters with refined blood and flux pump synchronization were put into an original CPU-board and loaded on a miniaturized, self-operative, and preclinical prototype (MATS-II). This study was conducted to evaluate the MATS-II using diluted blood of various hematocrit concentrations. The results proved that this device could concentrate 4,000-10,000 ml of various hematocrit concentrations into higher than 40% while automatically controlling the flow speed from 250 to 400 ml/min. Also, no significant damage was generated to the red blood cells (RBC). Moreover, the MATS-II salvaged over 90% of platelets together with the RBC. These results suggest that the MATS-II achieves all clinical requirements of an autotransfusion device; it is a continuous hemoconcentration device with minimum damage to cellular components of the blood.     

Intraoperative autotransfusion in extensive orthopedic interventions

In large orthopaedic operations massive blood losses sometimes can hardly be avoided. Apart from other autotransfusion methods (repeated preoperative withdrawal of blood or isovolaemic haemodilution) the intraoperative autotransfusion (IAT) has proved particularly useful. By means of the autotransfusion system Haemonetics Cell Saver, whose functional performance is described in the following, there was a decrease in homologous erythrocytes of 60.5 l, that is more than 300 erythrocyte concentrates. With regard to the intraoperative period the average reduction in donor blood for each patient was between 68.0 and 94.8%. Considering the compensation of postoperative blood losses there was a decrease in donor blood of between 55.6 and 66.2%. The importance of this reduction in donor blood (decreased hepatitis risk and better quality of the autologous erythrocytes) is discussed. On close and critical examination of advantages and disadvantages concerning the intraoperative autotransfusion, we have to give the preference to the Haemonetics Cell Saver, especially in the orthopaedic range.     

Postoperative autotransfusion of concentrated drainage blood in cardiac surgery. Experience with a new autotransfusion system

A new autotransfusion system was evaluated postoperatively in six patients undergoing aortocoronary bypass surgery. A hollow fiber hemofilter was integrated in the system, making it possible to concentrate the shed blood. The device functioned well, 825 ml diluted mediastinal drainage blood with a hematocrit of 23 was concentrated to a volume of 475 ml with a hematocrit of 36 and retransfused. Proteins were preserved, thus albumin concentration increased from 23 to 37 g/l in the autotransfusate. No negative side effects were registered after autotransfusion. A thorough coagulation study after retransfusion did not reveal any sign of activation of the coagulation cascade, nor were there any signs of an increased fibrinolysis.     

A comparison of autologous transfusion procedures in hip surgery

The risks associated with transfusion can be minimized with autologous blood. The efficiency of preoperative deposit, preoperative hemodilution and intra- and postoperative autotransfusion in reducing homologous transfusions has been demonstrated. There seem to be few studies, however, that compared the different methods of autologous transfusion. This study was designed to evaluate the comparative efficiency of these methods. PATIENTS AND METHODS. Sixty-four patients scheduled for total hip arthroplasty were randomly divided into four groups: group I--preoperative autologous deposit: group II--preoperative hemodilution; group III--intra- and postoperative autotransfusion; group IV--control. Preoperative autologous donations were stored in CPDA-1 buffer. Three units of 450 ml were requested. A predonation hemoglobin (Hb) concentration of 11 g dl was required. Surgery was carried out in the 5th week after the first donation. Preoperative hemodilution to Hb 9 g/dl was carried out after induction of anesthesia and initial circulatory stabilization. A cell separator was used for intra- and postoperative autotransfusion. Postoperative autotransfusion of drainage blood was continued until 6 h after the beginning of the operation. Polygeline was used for volume resuscitation. If the Hb concentration fell below 9 g/dl in the operating room and intensive care unit or below 10 g/dl in the general ward, autologous blood or homologous packed red cells were transfused. Autologous blood collected with the cell separator was retransfused at the end of the operation and after the autotransfusion period irrespective of the actual Hb concentration. RESULTS. The general data of the patients, blood loss, and Hb concentration at the beginning of the study and postoperatively were comparable in the four groups. Homologous transfusion requirements amounted to 0 (0-1250) ml (median, range) packed red cells in group I (preoperative deposit). 500 (0-2000) ml in group II (hemodilution), 125 (0-1000) ml in group III (autotransfusion) and to 500 (0-1500) ml in group IV (control). In group I 14 of 16 patients, in group II 1 of 16, in group III 8 of 16 patients, in group IV 5 of 15 patients did not require homologous transfusion. The difference between group I and IV was significant (p = 0.004 and p = 0.003). Global coagulation tests, antithrombin III, and total serum protein were comparable in the four groups. DISCUSSION. The efficiency of preoperative hemodilution to reduce homologous transfusion requirements is limited]. In the present study, as in two other recent studies, hemodilution did not reduce homologous transfusion requirements. Autotransfusion with a cell separator can save approximately 50% of the erythrocytes lost during hip arthroplasty and 70% of the drainage loss. The homologous transfusion requirements for the autotransfused group reported here were less than in the control group; the difference, however, was not statistically significant. Patients participating in preoperative autologous deposit did not require homologous blood for hip arthroplasty in 62%-70% of cases in other investigations; in the present study 88% of the patients did not require homologous blood. CONCLUSION. Under the conditions studied, preoperative autologous deposit was the most efficient method of autologous transfusion for hip arthroplasty. It should be employed primarily.     

Blood conservation for myocardial revascularization. Is it cost effective?

A total of 284 patients undergoing myocardial revascularization were prospectively studied to determine if the use of intraoperative autotransfusion or intraoperative autotransfusion plus postoperative reinfusion of shed mediastinal blood decreased transfusion requirements and the use of one or both techniques was cost effective. The Haemonetics Cell Saver System was used for intraoperative autotransfusion and the Sorenson Receptaseal autotransfusion system for postoperative reinfusion of shed mediastinal blood. During Phase 1, the Cell Saver System was used for 57 patients and 93 patients served as a control group. During Phase 2, the Cell Saver System plus the autotransfusion system were used in 43 patients and 91 patients were in the control group. Separate parallel analyses to compare the blood conservation groups to control groups were conducted for each phase of the study. The patient groups were comparable with regard to age, sex, preoperative red cell mass, preoperative hematocrit value, number of bypasses, and use of internal mammary grafts. Blood conservation techniques resulted in significant reductions in the use of bank blood. During Phase 1, Cell Saver System patients received an average of 2.8 units of packed cells versus 4.7 units for control patients. Transfusion was avoided entirely in 14% of Cell Saver System patients compared to 3% of control patients. During Phase 2, patients subjected to both the Cell Saver System and the autotransfusion system received an average of 1 unit of packed red cells versus 3 units for control patients. Transfusion was required in only 42% of patients subjected to both the Cell Saver System and the autotransfusion system compared to 85% of control patients. Multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed that the use of the Cell Saver System in Phase 1 and the Cell Saver System and autotransfusion system in Phase 2 were each independently predictive of decreased transfusion requirements. The total "blood-related costs" (including cost for all bank blood products plus Receptaseal and Cell Saver System equipment) was slightly lower for the blood conservation patients in both Phase 1 ($555.00 versus $615.00, no significant difference) and Phase 2 ($373.00 versus $426.00, no significant difference). Intraoperative use of the Cell Saver System is associated with substantial savings of bank blood, and the addition of postoperative reinfusion of shed mediastinal blood results in further bank blood savings. The use of blood conservation techniques is cost effective; that is, the costs incurred for the blood conservation equipment are more than offset by the resultant dollar savings for blood products.     

Effect of partial-filling autotransfusion bowls on the quality of reinfused product

Intraoperative autotransfusion is used in a variety of surgical procedures with the quantity of blood loss dependent upon numerous factors. These procedures may or may not produce a full autotransfusion bowl. The inadequate removal of contaminants has been correlated to the incomplete filling of bowls, resulting in a condition called "Salvaged Blood Syndrome." The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of aspirated whole blood after processing with an autotransfusion system using various fill volumes and two wash volumes. An in vitro circuit was designed to mimic the mechanical effects of extracorporeal flow on blood. Twenty-four Baylor-style bowls were filled at 400 mL min(-1) and washed at 300 mL min(-1). Two wash volumes, 1000 and 2000 mL, and three bowl volumes: low, mid, and full, were used in this study. The bowl volumes were determined by using red cell quantities of 60, 100, and 135 mL for the low-fill, mid-fill, and full bowls, respectively. Samples were drawn pre-autotransfusion and post-autotransfusion and analyzed for plasma-free hemoglobin, IL-8, white blood cell count, platelet count, albumin, and total protein. All data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with significance accepted at p > or = .05. Plasma-free hemoglobin levels and hematocrit were concentrated significantly (p < .05) as bowl volume increased. A significant difference in IL-8 levels was found in the wash volumes in the low-fill bowls (p < .02). Platelet count was significantly decreased between the full bowl with 1000 mL wash and the full bowl with 2000 mL wash (p < .0004). Total protein reduction was significantly less in the low-fill bowl with 1000 mL wash as compared to the other bowl treatments (p < .05). In conclusion, the quality of the washed product did not vary significantly between fill or wash volumes, with the exception of the low-fill bowl with 1000 mL wash.     

Postoperative autotransfusion in primary knee replacement surgery

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of postoperative autologous transfusion to reduce homologous blood transfusion needs in primary knee replacement surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was carried out in 33 consecutive patients with diagnoses of arthrosis scheduled for primary knee replacement surgery with postoperative autotransfusion using a CBCII Constavac-Stryker (Stryker Instruments, Michigan, USA) recovery system from June through October 2002. We analyzed patient age, sex, preoperative and postoperative (24 hours) hemoglobin and hematocrit values, autologous blood reinfused and homologous blood transfusion incidence rate (if hematocrit was below 25%). RESULTS: Of the 33 patients receiving postoperative autotransfusion, one also needed homologous blood transfusion (3%). The mean volume of filtered whole blood reinfused was 538.63+/-261.23 mL, 1100 mL being the largest volume reinfused. We observed no complications related to use of autotransfusion devices during the perioperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative autotransfusion as the only blood salvage technique in primary knee prosthesis surgery nearly eliminates homologous transfusion needs. In addition, it is a safe, simple procedure and has replaced our hospital's preoperative autologous transfusion procedure.     

Impact of Red Cell Salvage on Transfusion Requirements during Elective Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery may result in substantial blood loss. Concerns regarding the safety, availability, and acceptability of homologous blood have led to initiatives toward reducing transfusion requirements at the time of aneurysm repair. This study was designed to determine if the routine use of intraoperative red cell salvage and autotransfusion resulted in a reduction in homologous transfusion at our institution. A retrospective review of elective AAA repairs in the years 1987, 1992, and 1997 was carried out. Demographic data, operative details, blood loss, hemoglobin levels, red cell salvage and return volumes, and transfusion requirements were recorded and compared across the study years. From this study we conclude that routine use of red cell salvage and autotransfusion is an effective means for reducing transfusion requirements in elective AAA repair.     

Autotransfusion after orthopedic surgery. Analysis of quality, safety and efficacy of salvaged shed blood

A series of immunosuppressant mechanisms can manifest during surgical procedures, mediated by immune system cells or by humoral factors, to which the immunosuppressant effects of anesthesia or blood transfusion may be added, possibly further prejudicing the patient's immunological status, having important clinical repercussions such as increased incidence of postoperative infection or tumor reappearance.Autotransfusion of various types is an effective alternative to homologous transfusion as the former avoids immunodepressant effects. Preoperative autotransfusion [preoperative donation of autologous blood (PTAB)] has been shown to be one of the safest and most effective techniques and is the gold standard for autotransfusion. Problems of over collection, anemia and over transfusion that sometimes occur with PTAB can be solved with better screening procedures. Intraoperative autotransfusion (IAT) and postoperative autotransfusion (PAT) avoid such problems completely. However, IAT is only cost-effective in certain procedures (bleeding > 1,000-1,500 mL) and is not applicable in others, such as knee arthroplasty. PAT, on the other hand, in addition to being a good complement to other autotransfusion methods, may be the technique of choice in some procedures, such as knee arthroplasty, particularly if PTAB is contraindicated or if it is logistically difficult for a hospital to provide.However, in spite of its demonstrated efficacy, PAT of filtered blood has many critics, who warn of possible side effects and recommend the use of washed blood, which would make the procedure enormously more expensive unless it is performed with the same equipment used for IAT. Therefore, this review will analyze the hematologic characteristics of filtered blood, including metabolic status and survival of red blood cells, the components of the hemostatic system and inflammatory mediators, the content of fat particles and the possibility of their clearance, the incidence of infections and the dissemination of tumor cells. This analysis can reach the conclusion that salvaged filtered blood is a source of red blood cells of sufficient quality to be safely reinfused and that their reinfusion contributes significantly to reduce the need for homologous blood.     

Impact of autotransfusion after coronary artery bypass grafting on oxygen transport

Background: Autotransfusion of shed mediastinal blood after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been shown to reduce the requirement for allogeneic blood. We have previously demonstrated in non-randomized studies that the oxygen capacity of shed mediastinal blood is similar to the patient's circulating blood and better than stored allogeneic blood. Therefore, we wanted to examine the influence of autotransfusion of shed mediastinal blood on oxygen transport capacity in patients undergoing CABG.
Methods: A prospective, randomized, controlled study involving 120 patients having elective, uncomplicated CABG was performed. The autotransfusion group received transfusion of shed mediastinal blood for 18 h. Both groups received allogeneic red cells if their hemoglobin concentration decreased below 5 mmol/L. Red blood cell 2, 3-diphosphoglycerate (2, 3-DPG) was measured preoperatively and at intervals up to the hospital discharged. Hemodynamic measurements as well as blood gas and hemoglobin measurements from samples of arterial and mixed venous blood were used for calculation of oxygen transport capacity.
Results: During the autotransfusion period only 2 patients (4%) in the autotransfusion group required allogeneic blood compared to 11 patients (20%) in the control group. The 2, 3-DPG levels in the autotransfusion group were unchanged before and after autotransfusion (4.4 vs. 4.3 umol/ml erythrocyte). In the control group, 2, 3-DPG levels decreased from 4.3 to 3.9 umol/ ml erythrocyte during the same period. There were no differences in the other measured parameters for oxygen transport capacity between the groups.
Conclusion: Autotransfusion of shed mediastinal blood conserves the 2, 3-DPG level of the red blood cells, while transfusion of stored blood leads to a decrease in 2, 3-DPG levels. Autotransfusion had no effect on hemodynamic parameters, oxygen delivery or oxygen extraction.     

Maschinelle Autologe Transfusion (MAT) während orthopädischer Eingriffe bei Kindern Ist der Einsatz der Maschinellen Autotransfusion auch bei kinderchirurgischen Eingriffen möglich?

The use of autotransfusion devices is an established method of reducing the need for homologous transfusions in surgery [3, 11, 13], but technical factors still contraindicate the washing and concentration of blood volumes smaller than 300 ml. Therefore, haemoconcentration of small volumes of salvaged blood, as usually found in paediatric surgery, is considered to be a complicated and questionable practice [5]. Whereas these amounts of blood loss are easily tolerated by adults, they may necessitate homologous transfusions in paediatric surgery. In a prospective study, we investigated whether a simple technical modification in the processing of salvaged blood could facilitate the use of autotransfusion devices, especially in children. Patients and methods. Intraoperative blood salvage was performed in children 6 months to 10 years old undergoing surgery for hip dysplasia. Autotransfusion (Dideco STAT) was started when the blood loss was estimated to be more than 20% of the total blood volume (TBV). As a reference, we used a formula based on body weight [10]: for children up to the age of 6 years 80 ml/kg blood volume and for children up to 10 years 75 ml/kg. The total volume of salvaged fluid including blood, anticoagulant solution, and surgical irrigation was collected in a reservoir and transferred to the autotransfusion set, after which the reservoir was rinsed with 500 ml 0.9% saline solution in order to save the remaining blood. After processing, the blood was stored in the retransfusion bag. By adding the same volume of plasma expander (6% hydroxyethyl starch [HES], molecular weight 450000), spontaneous sedimentation of the washed autologous erythrocytes (RBCs) for 10–15 min led to a concentrate of RBCs. After 10 μ filtration, the RBC suspension was retransfused (Figs.?1–3). Results. Within 12 months, autotransfusion was performed during 6 out of 15 surgical procedures according to the method described above. The calculated blood loss averaged 25.6% of TBV, of which 21.4% (=272 ml) could be processed by the autotransfusion device (Table?3). The mean values of 2.6 g/dl haemoglobin (Hb) and 6.8% haematocrit (HCt) in the salvaged blood increased to 9.4 g/dl and 27.3% in the processed RBC concentrates. After adding 6% HES solution, spontaneous sedimentation of the RBCs led to values of Hb 22.1 g/dl and HCt 59.8%. An average of 59.5 ml (22–99 ml) sedimented RBCs was retransfused to the patients, including 11.6 ml 6% HES solution (Table 4). In this manner, the need for homologous transfusions could be avoided in these patients both during and after surgery. Conclusions. This study shows that the use of blood salvaging in paediatric surgery is indicated under certain conditions. With the aid of the simple modification described above, we solved the main problem in paediatric autotransfusion by concentrating RBC suspensions with low Hb and Hct values after using the autotransfusion device.     

Autotransfusion of mediastinal blood in cardiac surgery

A series of 135 adults undergoing cardiac surgery was randomized to an autotransfusion group (n = 67) or a control group (n = 68). In the autotransfusion group mediastinal blood was collected and reinfused during the first 6 postoperative hours. Blood from the reservoir was taken for bacteriologic culture at the end of that time. The postoperative blood was comparable in the two groups. The average requirement of bank blood was 2.7 units in the autotransfusion group and 3.3 units in the controls (p less than 0.05). The average volume of autotransfusion blood was 336 ml. There were no clinical infections in the autotransfusion group, although 19% of the cultures were positive, and no apparent alteration of the coagulation mechanisms arose from infusion of autologous blood. No clinically significant intergroup differences were found in hematologic, renal or hepatic parameters, neurologic function or use of antibiotics.     

Autotransfusion After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Is There Any Benefit?

Postoperative salvage autotransfuslon of shed mediastinal blood, using the cardiotomy reservoir, is an inexpensive technique whose efficacy and safety are evaluated in this study. We randomized 75 consecutive patients into two groups. The autotransfusion group (n = 42) received autotransfusion after the completion of the coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) until the dralnage was ≤ 50 mL per hour for 2 consecutive hours. The control group (n = 33) was treated with standard chest drainage. Both groups received homologous blood transfusion when the hematocrit fell below 30%. Packed red cells were required post-operatively in 84.8% of the control group and 80.9% of the autotransfusion group (p = NS). Postoperative colloid fluid replacement (excluding autotransfusion fluid) did not differ significantly between the groups. The prothrombin time was significantly higher in the autotransfusion group 24 hours postoperatively (p = 0.03). The fibrin degradation products were elevated only In the serum of the autotransfusion patients (p < 0.002). More febrile patients were seen in the autotransfusion group although not significantly more than the controls. The autotransfusion group received more red cells than the control group, but it lost more red cells in the medlastlnal drains. In conclusion, the autotransfusion of shed mediastinal blood has not proved beneficial in reducing the Postoperative requirements in homologous blood in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). (J Card Surg 1994;9:314–321)     

Use of predeposit autologous blood and intraoperative autotransfusion in urologic cancer surgery.

A total of 20 patients underwent major urologic cancer surgery with the combined use of predeposit autologous blood and intraoperative autotransfusion with the Haemonetics Cell Saver. The estimated blood loss ranged from 400 to 2,000 mL (mean 1,208 mL). Total transfusion requirements for the 20 patients were 85.5 units of which 82.5 (96%) were autologous. Predeposit autologous blood accounted for 53 percent, intraoperative autotransfusion blood 43 percent, and homologous blood 4 percent of the total transfusion requirements. Of the 20 patients in the study, only 1 received homologous blood. There were no complications related to either modality of autotransfusion. Our data suggest that using the combined modalities of predeposit autologous blood donation and intraoperative autotransfusion, major urologic cancer surgery can be performed without homologous blood in most cases.     

Blood conservation effect and safety of shed mediastinal blood autotransfusion after cardiac surgery

Autotransfusion of shed mediastinal blood after cardiac surgery has been used to reduce risks related to homologous blood transfusions. To document the efficacy and safety of autotransfusion, we compared clinical findings of 80 patients receiving shed mediastinal blood (autotransfusion group) with those of the control group of 52 patients. The amount of the autotransfusion was limited to 800 ml, given the potentially harmful effects of shed blood transfusion. The mean transfused shed volume was 314 ± 236 ml (S.D.). The serum levels of FDP-E, D-dimer and TAT after autotransfusion were higher in the autotransfusion group than in the control group (p=0.01, p=0.0004, p =0.001, respectively). However, postoperative blood loss and the rate of reexploration for bleeding were similar in the two groups. The patients receiving blood products were fewer in the autotransfusion group than those in the control group (21% vs 44%; p=0.005). Autotransfusion did not increase postoperative complications, including infection. Thus, although autotransfusion of mediastinal shed blood has the potential to affect hemostasis, unless the amount of autotransfusion exceeds 800 ml, it appears that this method is clinically safe and effective as a mean of blood conservation.     

Postoperative blood salvage in total knee arthroplasty using the Solcotrans autotransfusion system

One hundred forty-four patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty were examined in a prospective controlled study to determine the efficacy and safety of a postoperative wound drainage autotransfusion system (Solcotrans, Smith & Nephew Richards, Memphis, TN). The patients were divided into two groups: control group 1 comprised 88 (61%) patients who either received a Hemovac disposable drainage system (63 patients) or the Solcotrans system and had inadequate drainage for autotransfusion (25 patients). Experimental group 2 comprised 56 (39%) patients who received a Solcotrans drainage system and were autotransfused. The Solcotrans proved itself safe. No sepsis, transfusion reactions, or coagulopathies were associated with autotransfusion, which averaged 524 mL. There were no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 when comparing preoperative and postoperative hemoglobins and hematocrits. The Solcotrans system did not lower homologous blood requirements. Only 1.6% (2 patients) of all patients who autodonated at least 2 units of autologous blood (122 patients) were in need of a homologous blood transfusion in the postoperative period. Thus, although safe, the Solcotrans system was not proven effective in the management of primary total knee arthroplasty patients.     

The importance of autologous blood transfusion in the Federal Republic of Germany. Results of a survey carried out in 1989]

The study was designed to evaluate the role of autologous blood transfusion in current clinical practice. METHODS. Standardized questionnaires were distributed to the anesthesia departments of 421 randomly selected hospitals in the 'old' Federal Republic of Germany and West Berlin in August 1989. The questionnaires contained 26 questions relating to (1) the particular hospital, (2) preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD), (3) preoperative plasmapheresis, (4) isovolemic hemodilution, (5) intra- and postoperative autotransfusion, (6) general practice followed in blood transfusion, and (7) blood salvage in children. RESULTS. In all, 207 completed questionnaires (49%) were returned, 12% of which came from university hospitals, 25% from hospitals with more than 500 beds, 58% from hospitals with fewer than 500 beds and 5% from smaller specialized hospitals. Over half (52%) of the responding hospitals were running their own transfusion services or were located in the vicinity of a regional blood bank. The overall proportion of surgical procedures requiring perioperative blood transfusions was 10%. PABD was performed "not at all" in 24% of the hospitals, "rarely" in 28%, "occasionally" in 24%, "frequently" in 10%, and "routinely" in 13%. PABD was standard in 75% of the departments of orthopedic surgery, in 68% of the departments of cardiac surgery, and in 33% of the departments of vascular surgery. In two-thirds of the hospitals reporting the use of PABD, the anesthesia departments were in charge of the autologous blood service. For 64% of the hospitals, liquid storage of whole blood was reported as the standard technique. Patients normally not eligible for homologous blood donation according to established donor criteria were accepted for autologous blood donation at most "occasionally" in 60% of the hospitals, but "frequently" or "mostly" in 36%. Preoperative autologous plasmapheresis was performed when major intraoperative blood loss was anticipated in 12% of the hospitals. Isovolemic hemodilution was performed "not at all" in 30% of the hospitals, "rarely" in 17%, "occasionally" in 25%, "frequently" in 14%, and "mostly" in 12%. The reasons most frequently given for not performing hemodilution were "too time-consuming" (41%) and "too little blood-saving effect" (32%). Autotransfusion devices were available in 40% of the hospitals. Others deemed such devices "badly needed" (5%) or "desirable" (43%), while 45% found them "not necessary." The principal use of intraoperative autotransfusion was in cardiac surgery (79% of the departments), orthopedics (47% of the departments) and vascular surgery (45% of the departments). In 29% of the responding hospitals autotransfusion devices were also used for postoperative autotransfusion ("seldom" in 7%, "occasionally" in 10%, "frequently" in 6%, "mostly" in 6%). In the absence of cardiopulmonary disease, hemoglobin concentrations below 8-10 g/dl were considered an indication for blood transfusion. In patients with compromised cardiopulmonary function the lowest acceptable level was 10-12 g/dl. Blood salvage techniques are obviously rarely used in children. Experiences with PABD in children were reported by 14.5% of the hospitals, experience with isovolemic hemodilution by 22% and with intra- and postoperative autotransfusion in 18% and 12.5% of the hospitals, respectively. Preoperative plasmapheresis was performed in children in 3.5% of the hospitals. CONCLUSIONS. Although the present sample is not representative on a national level, our findings allow the conclusion that the simple techniques of both preoperative autologous blood donation and isovolemic hemodilution are unduly neglected in surgical and anesthetic practice, whereas even smaller hospitals are fairly well equipped with sophisticated autotransfusion devices.     

Routine use of autotransfusion following cardiac surgery: experience in 700 patients.

An autotransfusion technique has been developed for collection and reinfusion of shed mediastinal blood. This system has been routinely applied in the postoperative management of 592 consecutive adult and 108 pediatric cardiac surgical patients. Two hundred seventy-one adult patients (46%) and thirty-six pediatric patients (33%) actually received autologous blood. Autotransfusion volume ranged from 50 to 21,350 ml per patient. In 1976 at our institution, homologous transfusion requirements averaged 8.4 +/- 0.7 units per adult patient. During 1978, with the routine use of postoperative autotransfusion, bank blood transfusions were lowered to 4.2 +/- 0.3 units per patient (p less than 0.001). In contrast to perioperative autotransfusion techniques, collection and reinfusion of shed mediastinal blood is particularly useful for intravascular volume replacement in patients with serious postoperative bleeding.     

Reinfusion of shed blood after coronary operation causes elevation of cardiac enzyme levels.

We studied the effect of reinfusing mediastinal and chest tube drainage (autotransfusion) after coronary artery bypass grafting on circulating levels of creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase in 20 patients. Reinfusion of 469 +/- 171 mL (mean +/- standard deviation) of drainage caused enzyme levels to rise to 372% (creatine kinase), 159% (serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase), and 143% (lactate dehydrogenase) of their levels before autotransfusion. The MB fraction of the circulating creatine kinase was not elevated. Enzyme changes caused by autotransfusion can potentially mimic or mask the presence of perioperative myocardial infarction. Enzyme determinations after coronary artery bypass grafting must be carefully interpreted when reinfusion of shed blood is used as a blood salvage technique. Routine measurement of these enzymes after operation may not be warranted.     

Reinfusion of unwashed salvaged blood after total knee arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Autotransfusion with unwashed salvaged blood (USB) is effective for avoiding allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We performed a retrospective study to determine the percentage of patients receiving ABT and the volume of postoperative blood drainage after introduction of autotransfusion with USB for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) undergoing TKA. In 100 patients without autotransfusion (group 1) and 100 patients receiving autotransfusion of USB (group 2), we compared the number of patients who required ABT, as well as the postoperative drainage volume, ABT volume, and autotransfusion volume. In group 1, 83% of the patients received ABT, while only 47% received ABT in group 2, and there was a significant decrease (p < 0.001). However, the postoperative drainage volume was significantly increased in group 2 (p < 0.001).