[Haemoseparation in heart surgery].

The Haemonetics Cell-Saver, a device developed for the recovery of autologous blood, was evaluated at our department, the major areas of concern being: quantity of blood salvaged, reduction in blood bank usage and possible monetary saving. In addition, various coagulation analyses were performed at frequent intervals. This study consisted of 292 patients undergoing cardiac surgery, who were randomly divided into two groups: 148 patients (group I) receiving autotransfusion (immediate centrifugation of oxygenator content after termination of cardiopulmonary bypass) were compared to 144 patients without autologous transfusion (group II). In the group of autotransfused patients, a mean of 2.27 units of bank blood were used throughout their entire hospital stay, as compared to 6.12 units of homologous blood in the other group (II) without autotransfusion. There were no significant differences between the two groups in respect of laboratory parameters and clinical course during the perioperative period. The data presented indicate a significant reduction in bank blood usage, thus protecting the patients from various hazards accompanying homologous blood transfusion (hepatitis, AIDS). Since the cost of Haemonetics software is recovered by 1.25 units of bank blood, a cost reduction of about US $135.-was achieved.