Blood Provision for Cardiac Ablation (CA) Procedures in the Catheterization Laboratory; a Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) Experience in a Non-Trauma Center Setting

Abstract

Abstract Introduction/Objective Cardiac perforation is a life-threatening complication (~1% risk, with reported rates between 0.2% to 5%) of CA procedures. As cardiac perforation may lead to extensive bleeding, it would be reasonable for a medical center carrying out CA to be capable of arranging for a massive transfusion protocol and for surgical repair as required. However, there is sparse literature to guide a non-trauma medical center implementing a CA program on what the number of red blood cell (RBC) units for crossmatch should be for each case. Methods In interdisciplinary collaborative meetings, the CA program logistics were agreed to between the multiple clinical services. Given the case series on the amount of drained blood in complicated cases, there was agreement that three units of RBCs would be crossmatched for each case. Education was provided on the massive transfusion protocol and on blood bank procedures. As part of quality assurance/quality improvement, records were reviewed from the beginning of the CA program (10/1/2019) to 1/31/2019 to determine number of patient cases, crossmatched units, and transfused units for quality assurance purposes. Results A total of fifteen patients underwent CA procedures, for which three units were crossmatched for each patient. As there were no cardiac perforations with the cardiac ablation procedures so far, no units were transfused. The organized approach for ensuring adequate blood bank support and education led to the reassurance, alleviation of clinical anxiety, and building of a successful CA program. Education sessions completed with thorough understanding of blood bank procedures including the massive transfusion protocol, labeling of blood bank specimens, and on ordering of blood for crossmatch. Conclusion This study provides a reference that may provide helpful guidance to other blood banks on what the number of RBCs to be crossmatched prior to each CA procedure. Multidisciplinary collaborative meetings in advance are an essential component for ensuring adequate support for CA procedures or any new service that requires blood product support. Thorough education of clinical staff on blood bank procedures particularly the massive transfusion protocol is also recommended. This procedure for massive transfusion should be available to be referred to in real time.