Subsequently, cardiac surgical programs have implemented many blood conservation techniques to minimize the amount of donor blood product exposure. One method that has become commonplace in cardiac surgery is the use of a cell salvage device for intraoperative autotransfusion. This technique allows for the washing and reinfusion of the patient´s own blood that may be lost during the surgical procedure," Molly Dreher reports in the new textbook Extracorporeal Circulation.
"Although cell Salvage devices may differ in certain technological aspects, the process of concentrating red blood cells through centrifugation is consistent across devices. Centrifugation involves the use of centrifugal force to separate components of different density. With respect to salvaged whole blood, red blood cells are the densest of the formed elements and are pushed furthest away from the centrifuge´s axis of rotation. In this manner, they can be separated from the plasma, free hemoglobin and other soluble components which are less dense."
"The use of cell salvage and subsequent transfusion of autologous blood have been shown to be an effective blood conservation strategy in both adult and pediatric cardiac surgery. Considering the potential risks with donor blood products as well as the increased morbidity and mortality associated with perioperative transfusion, the use of autotransfusion to minimize homologous blood use should be seriously considered by cardiac surgery programs."