[Cell saver devices in coronary revascularization surgery without extracorporeal circulation reduce transfusion requirements].
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the effectiveness of a cell saver device in reducing transfusion requirements in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.


METHODS
Fifty-six consecutive ASA class 4-5 patients who underwent coronary surgery without extracorporeal circulation in our cardiac surgery department between June 2004 and January 2005 were included in this retrospective study; the series comprised 28 patients who received conventional management (control group) without use of the cell saver device and 28 who received cell saver treatment. Variables analyzed were preoperative and discharge hemoglobin levels and hematocrit values, age, weight, height, ejection fraction, packed red blood cells transfused, exitus, and adverse events.


RESULTS
The groups were similar with respect to preoperative characteristics. Fewer patients in the cell saver group required transfusions (6 vs 18 in the control group; relative risk 0.33, 95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.71). The mean amount of packed red cells transfused was greater in the control group than in the cell saver group (2.5 L vs 1.2 L, P = 0.03). No deaths or adverse events occurred in either group.


CONCLUSIONS
The routine use of a cell saver device during off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery reduces the need for postoperative transfusions and is not associated with adverse events. Cell saver devices should be used routinely, especially in situations where the ability to provide blood transfusions may be compromised.
Ysasi
A
A
Servicio de Cirugía Cardíaca del Hospiten Rambla, Tenerife.
Trujillo
M J
MJ
Tuesta
I D
ID
Llorens
R
R
Herreros
E
E
D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D047549:Coronary Artery Bypass, Off-Pump; D005260:Female; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies