autotransfusion
The process of collecting, processing, and reinfusing a patient's own blood during or after cardiac surgery to reduce allogeneic blood transfusion requirements.
Full Definition
A blood conservation technique that involves collecting the patient's own blood that would otherwise be lost during surgery, processing it to remove debris and concentrate red blood cells, and then reinfusing it back to the patient. In cardiac surgery, autotransfusion typically involves collecting blood from the surgical field and cardiopulmonary bypass circuit using specialized cell salvage devices. This technique reduces exposure to allogeneic blood products, decreases transfusion-related complications, and is particularly valuable in patients with religious objections to blood transfusion or those with rare blood types.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from preoperative autologous blood donation, which occurs before surgery.
In Context
- "Autotransfusion recovered 800 mL of red blood cells, avoiding the need for allogeneic transfusion." — Blood management report
- "The cell salvage device was used for continuous autotransfusion throughout the procedure." — Operative note