Use of the Cell Saver as a Rapid Infusion Device

A Bio-Medicus pump with a model BP 80, flow probe, model DP 38, and Gott TDMAC Shunt tubing, primed with Plasma Lyte A, pH 7.4, was used during a repair of a descending aortic aneurysm. The Haemonetic Cell Saver Plus with 1/4" tubing, List #243, and Gish Cardiotomy ATR-2900F was used to process shed blood. The patient was heparinized with 31,000 units of beef lung heparin (400 units/Kg) to maintain the activated clotting time above 480 seconds. The aneurysm was opened. Collateral bleeding caused the patient to bleed out excessively into the cell saver, rendering the Bio-Pump ineffective due to severe hypovolemia. As the bleeding was controlled, the cell saver was connected to the Gott TDMAC shunt tubing with a 1/4" X 3/8" connector to autotransfuse shed blood from the cardiotomy back to the patient, bypassing the cell saver centrifuge. The aortic cross clamp time was 22 minutes. The patient suffered no complications and at the 12 month follow up, she continues to do well. In summary, we feel that the surgical team should be equipped to provide ancillary support as the situation requires