[Clinical experience of autotransfusion of shed mediastinal blood using a new chest drainage unit].
The autotransfusion system (ATS) of shed mediastinal blood is expected as one of the techniques for non-blood open heart surgery. The ATS which has been used previously for this purpose required such items as cardiotomy reservoir, vacuum bottle, infusion pump and was complicated to manipulate. This time we have used a new chest drainage unit, Sentinel Seal Autotransfusion System (Sherwood Medical Co.), and report our clinical experience. This unit consists of two component parts. One is a blood collection bag which is later used for reinfusion of shed blood. The other part is a regular chest drainage unit with the water seal which protects pleural cavity from atmosphere. We used this system for 24 cases of open heart surgery and studied about the hematological and biochemical changes after reinfusing the shed blood postoperatively. There were no complications and side effects related to the reinfusion. The unit we have used is simple to handle and is useful when returning shed blood. We believe that this unit is quite safe for clinical use and that it will become a new strong support for non-blood open heart surgery.
Yamaguchi
A
A
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka National Hospital.
Kitamura
N
N
Noji
S
S
Miki
T
T
Otaki
M
M
Tamura
H
H
D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis; D001804:Blood Transfusion, Autologous / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures; D004322:Drainage / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000503:physiopathology; D008099:Liver / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged