title: Implementation of the Continuous AutoTransfusion System (C.A.T.S) in open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: an observational comparative cohort study.
abstract: The use of the Continuous AutoTransfusion System (C.A.T.S; Fresenius Hemotechnology, Bad Homburg v.d.H., Germany), which conserves allogenic blood, is reported in 187 patients having abdominal aortic aneurysm repair during a 9-year period. Patients were allocated to C.A.T.S if a Haemovigilance technician was available. A mean of 685 mL of retrieved blood was reinfused in 101 patients receiving C.A.T.S; 61% required 2 U or less. All control patients required 3 U or more of allogenic blood. Allogenic transfusion in C.A.T.S patients decreased significantly (P < .0001). Mean intensive care unit stay was significantly reduced in C.A.T.S patients (P = .042). Mean postoperative hospital stay was 18 days for C.A.T.S group and 25 days in control patients (P = .014). The respective 30-day mortality was 12% versus 19% (P = .199). The C.A.T.S markedly reduced the amount of blood transfused, was associated with reduced intensive care unit and postoperative hospital stay, and was cost-effective.
authors.affiliation: Western Vascular Institute, Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University College Hospital, Galway, Newcastle RD, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Wael A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Tawfick
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O'Connor
authors.forename: Niamh
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hynes
authors.forename: Sherif
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sultan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery*; D001804:Blood Transfusion, Autologous / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019370:Observation; D011183:Postoperative Complications