Autotransfusion Device Collects Stray Blood During Surgery and Pumps it Back Into the Patient
Autotransfusion Device University of Strathclyde Massive blood loss, known as MBL in the medical world, is a major cause of death during cardiac surgery--and an accepted one, because it's the best option we have. Blood transfusions help, but those aren't without complications, either. A new device could cut that step out of the process for some patients by collecting the blood from a surgery, concentrating the blood cells, and routing it intravenously right back to the person on the table. The device, called HemoSep, has just been approved for use in Canada and Europe following clinical trials in more than 100 open-heart surgeries. When used, it reduced how often a transfusion was needed post-surgery. During the process, blood is sucked from the surgical site or from another machine used in the surgery. A blood bag in the HemoSep uses a chemical sponge and mechanical agitator to concentrate the spilled blood....