Cell saver, ultrafiltration and direct transfusion: Comparative study of three blood processing techniques

Background: Intraoperative blood salvage is an important part of blood conservation efforts in cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of three different circuit blood-salvaging techniques: centrifugation, ultrafiltration and direct infusion. Methods: Sixty patients undergoing elective coronary bypass graft procedures were randomly assigned in a prospective manner to one of the three blood-salvaging methods. Results: Intra- and postoperative blood samples demonstrated increased hemoglobin values in the direct infusion group and higher platelet count in the ultrafiltration group. There were no significant differences in these results. The analysis of coagulation parameters revealed a similar prolongation of partial thromboplastin time and activated clotting time in all groups. The amount of blood loss was not significantly different between the three blood conservation methods. The effect of direct infusion method does not result in either major disturbance of coagulation parameters or in increased blood loss. Conclusion: In a sample of adult patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, direct transfusion is, in consideration of the cost-effective factor, an appropriate approach for returning cardiopulmonary bypass circuit blood.