An analysis of the influence of intra-operative blood salvage and autologous transfusion on reducing the need for allogeneic transfusion in elective infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Background. An intra-operative cell salvage machine, commonly known as a "cell saver", aspirates, washes, and filters patient's blood during an operation so that the blood can be returned to the patient's circulation instead of being discarded. This procedure could significantly reduce the risks related to the use of allogeneic blood and blood products in surgery. The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of intra-operative cell salvage on reducing the need for allogeneic blood in patients with asymptomatic infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm undergoing elective repair of the aneurysm. Material and methods. We retrospectively collected data from the clinical records of patients who underwent elective infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Two groups were formed: the "cell saver" group, in which intra-operative cell salvage was used, and the control group, in which a cell saver was not used. Results. Thirty patients underwent abdominal aortic aneurysm repair with the use of a cell saver, while 32 underwent the same operation without cell salvage. We found a significant association between use of the cell saver and a reduced need for allogeneic blood in these patients. Operations performed with the use of a cell saver lasted, on average, less time than those performed without it. The difference between pre-operative and post-operative haemoglobin levels was significantly greater in the group of patients who underwent repair with the use of a cell saver than in the control group. Conclusion. The use of a cell saver in elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair significantly reduces the need for intra-operative use of allogeneic blood.