Name of the Procedure:

Autologous Blood or Component Collection, Processing, and Storage; Intra- or Postoperative Salvage

Summary

This medical procedure involves collecting, processing, and storing a patient's own blood either during or immediately after surgery. The salvaged blood is then returned to the patient if needed, reducing the need for donor blood transfusions.

Purpose

This procedure is primarily used to manage blood loss during surgeries. The goals include maintaining the patient's blood volume, reducing the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections, and avoiding complications from donor blood transfusions.

Indications

• Major surgical procedures with a high risk of significant blood loss (e.g., cardiac, orthopedic, vascular surgeries).
• Patients with rare blood types or antibodies.
• Patients who prefer to avoid donor blood transfusions for personal or medical reasons.

Preparation

• Patients might need to fast for a specified period before the surgery.
• Pre-surgery assessments, including blood tests and cross-matching.
• Instruction to avoid certain medications that can affect blood clotting.

Procedure Description

1. Blood Collection: Blood is either collected intraoperatively (during surgery) or postoperatively (immediately after surgery) using specialized equipment.
2. Processing: The collected blood is filtered to remove any contaminants and ensure it is safe for reinfusion.
3. Storage: The processed blood is stored in a sterile container until it is needed.
4. Reinfusion: The blood is returned to the patient during or after the surgery via intravenous infusion.

Tools and equipment include a cell saver machine, blood collection bags, and sterile filtration systems. Local or general anesthesia is administered as per the surgery requirements.

Duration

The procedure duration varies depending on the length and complexity of the surgery. Blood collection and processing typically take a few minutes, while reinfusion timings are dictated by the surgical schedule.

Setting

This procedure is performed in a hospital operating room or surgical center equipped with the necessary technology.

Personnel

• Surgeons
• Anesthesiologists
• Surgical nurses
• Perfusionists or specialized technicians operating the cell saver machine

Risks and Complications

• Common risks: mild allergic reactions, fever, or temporary low blood pressure.
• Rare risks: contamination of collected blood, clotting disorders, or technical issues with the equipment. Management of complications includes monitoring by healthcare professionals and appropriate medical or surgical intervention if needed.

Benefits

• Reduced need for donor blood transfusions.
• Lower risk of transfusion-transmitted infections.
• Minimized immune reactions or complications. Benefits are generally realized immediately, maintaining the patient's blood volume during and after surgery.

Recovery

Post-procedure care involves routine monitoring of vital signs and blood levels. Recovery time varies based on the type of surgery performed, but patients are often advised to avoid strenuous activities for a certain period. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess recovery progress.

Alternatives

• Donor blood transfusions.
• Preoperative autologous blood donation.
• Synthetic blood substitutes or medications to enhance clotting. Each alternative has its own set of pros and cons, assessed based on patient condition and preferences.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients typically do not feel any discomfort due to anesthesia. Postoperatively, mild discomfort or soreness at the infusion site might be experienced. Pain management includes prescribed medications and the use of cold compresses to alleviate any swelling or discomfort.