Effects of Autotransfusion using Cell Saver in Open Heart Surgery

Yoon, Gyung Chan; Choi, Sae Young; Yoo, Young Sun; Lee, Kwang Sook; Park, Chang Kwon

Abstract

Homologous blood transfusion entails substantial risks, including allergic reactions, transmission diseases such as hepatitis, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Autotransfusion system is a common method of reducing the need for homologous blood transfusion during cardiac operation. Between July 1993 and July 1995, a series of 40 patients undergoing open heart surgery was selected to an autotransfusion group (n=20) or a control group (n=20). The cell saver system (AT1000, Electromedics, Englewood, CO, USA) was employed for autotransfusion. With this system, shed blood in operative field during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and remained blood in cardiotomy reservior after CPB was aspirated by means of a locally heparinized collecting system. After centrifuge salvaged blood, the resulting red cell concentrate reinfused subsequently. The amounts of blood loss were 766.5+/-121.3 ml in cell saver group, 770.1+/-113.6 ml in control group, and there were no significant differences between two groups (P=NS). The amounts of blood transfused were 2.91+/-1.72 units in cell saver group, 4.82+/-1.72 units in control group. Composition of processed blood by cell saver was hemoglobin 17.4 gm%, hematocrit 56.4%, RBC 5,780,000/ul, WBC 9,900/ul, and platelet 33,000/ul. There was no complication related to cell saver. Conclusively, cell saver autotransfusion system is safe, effective method for reducing the homologous blood trasfusion in cardiac surgery.