Blood Conservation in Open-Heart Surgery

Abstract

At the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, in a 6-week period between October and November 1995, 57 patients with preoperative hemoglobin levels of more than 10 g/100mL were included in a blood conservation protocol. Autologous blood trans-fusion, total body hemodilution to a minimum hematocrit of 20%, and retransfusion of pump blood, along with meticulous intraoperative hemostasis, were performed. Forty-eight, patients (84%) did not require transfusion of homologous blood or blood products. The remaining 9 patients (including 2 who underwent reoperation, 2 who had reexploration, and 2 with preoperative renal failure) received blood or blood products when their hemoglobin fell below 8 g/100mL. No patient had postoperative hemodynamic instability or delayed recovery. All patients were discharged on oral hematinics. Blood conservation techniques are safe and easy to implement. When used in combination, they provide satisfactory results, avoid transfusion-related problems, and conserve blood supplies.