What is cell saver in cardiac surgery?

Background: Cell salvage may be used during cardiac surgery to avoid allogeneic blood transfusion. It has also been claimed to improve patient outcomes by removing debris from shed blood, which may increase the risk of stroke or neurocognitive dysfunction.

Why is a cell saver important?

Cell saver is available for patients whose hemoglobin comes back between 11.0 and 11.9 in their required blood work. A cell saver allows these patients to get the good red blood cells they need back into their body in order to heal properly after their procedure.

What is a cell saver perfusionist?

An autotransfusionist, also known as a perioperative blood management technologist, is a specialized allied health professional who operates the cell saver machine during surgeries that expect significant blood loss.

What is intraoperative cell salvage and when is it used?

Intraoperative cell salvage (ICS) or autologous blood cell transfusion is the practice of recovering red blood cells from blood lost in the operative field and returning them to the patient. It is the most effective form of transfusion that avoids and reduces blood-borne diseases related to transfusion [1].

Is Cell Saver safe?

Cell-Saver technology is the most widely used blood-salvage system. In the past, theoretic concerns regarding the risks for infection and amniotic fluid embolism limited the use of blood-salvage technology in obstetrics; however, several studies have documented its safety and effectivenes.

When would you use a cell saver?

There is a drive to reduce allogeneic blood transfusion due to cost and scarcity. Cell salvage should be used where there is anticipated blood loss of more than 1 litre or where patient factors restrict allogeneic blood transfusion. Cell salvage is a cost-effective and safe method of autologous transfusion.

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