Autotransfusion With Cell Saver for Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Randomized Trial

Objectives: Off-pump coronary surgery reduces transfusions, however, many patients still receive blood. This trial aims to clarify the effect of using a cell saver intraoperatively.

Methods: In 60 patients shed blood was collected in the cell saver reservoir intraoperatively; randomization and processing or discharge were performed immediately after surgery. Primary outcome measures: proportion of patients receiving allogeneic blood, and average number of units per patient. Secondary outcome measures: blood loss, hemoglobin levels, complications, and costs.

Results: Cell saver group versus control group; received transfusions: 17/30 vs. 14/29 (p = 0.28), allogeneic units: median 1 (interquartile range 0 – 2) vs. 2 (IQR 0 – 7) (p = 0.06), intraoperative net blood loss: median 300 ml (IQR 193 – 403) vs. 610 ml (IQR 450 – 928) (p < 0.001). Control group patients had more complications leading to transfusion. Hemoglobin levels and costs were comparable between groups.

Conclusions: Use of cell saver reduced intraoperative net blood loss and seemed to reduce transfusions by 1 unit per patient, however, this was probably attributable to more complications leading to transfusion in the control group. In the future larger trials are necessary.