Abstract
Intra-operative haemodilution and autotransfusion was carried out in 32 patients having major vascular surgery. The intra-operative blood loss and peri-operative blood replacement was compared with that in 25 patients having similar surgery in whom haemodilution was considered to be contraindicated. Both groups of patients had similar mean intra-operative blood loss measured but homologous blood transfusion requirements were significantly different; 2.6 units (SD 1.9) in the haemodiluted patients compared with 6.0 units (SD 3.5) in the non-diluted patients. There was no mortality in the haemodiluted patients nor was any morbidity attributed to the procedure. Polygeline (haemaccel) was used as the diluent and proved satisfactory for this purpose.