Maximal Conservation and Minimal Usage of Blood Products in Open Heart Surgery

Abstract

Open heart surgery has previously been associated with the use of large volumes of blood products. This paper describes methods of blood conservation and a simple method of intraoperative autotransfusion that together have resulted in minimal blood product usage in elective open heart surgery cases. This has reduced our dependence on blood bank supplies for the performance of elective open heart surgery.

A Report on the Use of the New Capiox Hollow-Fibre Membrane Oxygenator

“…However, as previously described, extensive pericardial suction is undertaken by this unit. 3 The plasmafree haemoglobin levels were considerably lower than for bubble oxygenators we previously studied, although the average bypass time was a little shorter in this study. 4 Platelet counts at various stages of the operative and postoperative period were adequate for haemostasis, even with the haemodilution that occurred.…”

A Report on the Use of Five Bubble Oxygenators for Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery

“…The plasma free haemoglobin levels are occasionally high but this is accepted as an accompaniment of our policy of blood conservation. 4 Although platelet function was not assessed platelet numbers were maintained at a satisfactory level at the completion of bypass. For each oxygenator group, the mean platelet count exceeded 100,OOO/mm 3 at the end of bypass.…”