Autotransfusion

Autotransfusion is a term that is loosely used to describe the use or transfusion of any autologous blood product. However, traditionally, the term “autotransfusion” is the collection of blood from an active bleeding site and reinfusion of that blood into the same patient for the maintenance of blood volume. Several commercial devises that perform autotransfusion are available. There are three types of systems; un-washed filtered blood, discontinuous flow centrifugal and continuous flow centrifugal. The unwashed systems are popular because of their perceived inexpense and simplicity. Washed systems require a properly trained and clinically skilled operator. Collected blood is washed and then concentrated by centrifugation. Autotransfusion is particularly useful when blood loss during surgery is substantial and can eliminate or reduce the need for allogeneic blood. The term “cell-saver” is used for one commercial device. Autotransfusion is also known as intraoperative blood salvage. There are new commercial systems that collect blood from the surgical area postoperatively, and then wash or filter that blood for reinfusion. These are designed for patients undergoing cardiac or orthopedic surgery.