Abstract
An assessment of the impact of transfusing blood on the hemorheological data of patients is reported when submitted to vascular or plastic surgery. Autotransfusion and hemodilution are discussed as a challenge to the homologous transfusion. The rheological study is performed with a Couette viscometer. Unsteady flow measurements related to blood thixotropy and measurements in steady state flow conditions related to the shearthinning property of blood are reported. Pre and postoperative results are discussed taking into account the surgical procedure, the intraoperative blood and fluid requirements. The main conclusion of the study is that for the six cases here reported, from a rheological standpoint, the immediat post-operative state is quite good irrespective of the method of transfusion.
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