Rapid Infusion Device Research Articles

Direct Reinfusion of Unwashed Shed Autologous Blood During Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: A Retrospective Analysis.

This study's purpose was to assess whether larger volumes of reinfused unwashed shed autologous blood (SAB) were associated with adverse events within 30 days for patients undergoing open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair. During TAAA repair, our institution uses a system wherein SAB is filtered, but not washed or centrifuged, and then returned to the patient via a rapid-infusion device. By reinfusing SAB, the system preserves the patient's autologous whole blood and may reduce the number of allogenic transfusions required during TAAA repair, but the end-organ effects of reinfusing unwashed SAB have not been extensively evaluated. Using a prospectively maintained database, we retrospectively analyzed data from 972 consecutive patients who underwent open TAAA repair at our institution from 2007 to 2021 and who received SAB. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to assess whether SAB reinfusion volume was associated with a composite outcome of adverse events, as well as operative mortality, a composite of cardiac complications, a composite of pulmonary complications, or persistent paraplegia, stroke, or postoperative renal failure. Among the cohort of 972 patients, the median volume of reinfused SAB was 4159 mL (quartile1-quartile3 [Q1-Q3]: 2524-6790 mL). Greater reinfusion volumes of unwashed SAB were not associated with greater odds of composite adverse events (odds ratio [OR], 1.02 per 1000 mL increase, 97.5% confidence interval [CI], 0.94-1.09, P = .624), nor with any individual outcome-operative mortality (OR, 1.02 per 1000 mL increase, 97.5% CI, 0.93-1.12, P = .617), a composite of cardiac complications (OR, 0.98 per 1000 mL increase, 97.5% CI, 0.93-1.04, P = .447), a composite of pulmonary complications (OR, 1.00 per 1000 mL increase, 97.5% CI, 0.94-1.06, P = .963), renal failure necessitating hemodialysis (OR, 1.01 per 1000 mL increase, 97.5% CI, 0.92-1.11, P = .821), persistent paraplegia (OR, 0.97 per 1000 mL increase, 97.5% CI, 0.84-1.13, P = .676), persistent stroke (OR, 0.85 per 1000 mL increase, 97.5% CI, 0.70-1.04, P = .070), or reoperation to control bleeding (OR, 0.99, 97.5% CI, 0.87-1.13, P = .900)-when adjusted for confounders. For patients undergoing open TAAA repair, larger reinfusion volumes of unwashed SAB were not associated with greater odds of major early postoperative complications.

Effectiveness of a Novel Rapid Infusion Device and Clinician Education for Early Fluid Therapy by Emergency Medical Services in Sepsis Patients: A Pre-Post Observational Study

Objective Emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians are tasked with early fluid resuscitation for patients with sepsis. Traditional methods for prehospital fluid delivery are limited in speed and ease-of-use. We conducted a comparative effectiveness study of a novel rapid infusion device for prehospital fluid delivery in suspected sepsis patients. Methods This pre-post observational study evaluated a hand-operated, rapid infusion device in a single large EMS system from July 2021-July 2022. Prior to device deployment, EMS clinicians completed didactic and simulation-based device training. Data were extracted from the EMS electronic health record. Eligible patients included adults with suspected sepsis treated by EMS with intravenous fluids. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients receiving goal fluid volume (at least 500 mL) prior to hospital arrival. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, disposition, and length of stay. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare outcomes between 6-month pre- and post-implementation periods (July-December 2021 and February-July 2022, respectively), adjusting for patient demographics, abnormal prehospital vital signs, and EMS transport interval. Results Of 1,180 eligible patients (552 in the pre-implementation period; 628 in the post-implementation period), the mean age was 72 years old, 45% were female, and 25% were minority race-ethnicity. Median (interquartile range) fluid volume (in mL) increased between the pre- and post-implementation periods (600 [400,1,000] and 850 [500–1,000], respectively). Goal fluid volume was achieved in 70% of pre-implementation patients and 82% of post-implementation patients. In adjusted analysis, post-implementation patients were significantly more likely to receive goal fluid volume than pre-implementation patients (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.51–2.66). Pre-post in-hospital mortality was not significantly different (aOR 0.91, 95% CI 0.59–1.39). Conclusion In a single EMS system, sepsis education and introduction of a rapid infusion device was associated with achieving goal fluid volume for suspected sepsis. Further research is needed to assess the clinical effectiveness of infusion device implementation to improve sepsis patient outcomes.

A Pilot Medic-based Assessment of the Novel Handheld LifeFlow Device for Rapid Infusion of Blood Products.

Uncontrolled hemorrhage remains the leading cause of preventable death in the prehospital, combat setting. Treatment guidelines emphasize immediate hemorrhage control and early resuscitation with whole blood or blood products. Current methods for the delivery of blood products are often insufficient to provide trauma resuscitation. The novel LifeFlow device is a hand-powered device that can rapidly infuse fluids, including blood products. However, successful use of this device in the hands of the intended end user has not been demonstrated. We conducted a pilot study to assess how quickly and effectively medics could set up the LifeFlow device and infuse mock blood products into a casualty. They were provided with a brief block of instruction (<10 min) and the opportunity to handle the device. The time to set up the device and proportion of successful completion were recorded. Participants were surveyed regarding the use of the device including post-study interview. Forty medics, who were recruited and eligible to participate, completed the study procedures. All medics were able to successfully set up the device and perform the infusion. We had two instances of fluid leakage owing to malfunctions with the simulation arm, not the LifeFlow device. The mean time to device setup was 112 s (95% confidence interval [CI], 101-124). The mean time for infusion of 500 mL of fluid was 94 s (95% CI, 83-105). The mean time for all procedures was 197 s (95% CI, 178-213). On product feedback, they generally found it easier to use, easy to manipulate, possessing a useful grip, easily set up, and requiring minimal training. The medics were able to reliably assemble and use the LifeFlow rapid infusion device. However, there were concerns about the packaging and the single indication for the device.

406EMF Early Fluid Delivery by Emergency Medical Services for Sepsis Using a Novel Rapid Infusion Device

406EMF Early Fluid Delivery by Emergency Medical Services for Sepsis Using a Novel Rapid Infusion Device

184EMF Implementation of a Novel Fluid Resuscitation Device for the Care of Sepsis Patients: Processes and Perceptions in the Out-of-Hospital Setting

Early fluid infusion is a key performance metric in the care of sepsis patients, yet this benchmark is often unmet. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) transports one-third of sepsis patients, presenting an opportunity for increased achievement of fluid goals. To enhance sepsis care, one large urban EMS system (∼120,000 EMS responses/year) introduced a novel rapid fluid infusion device, LifeFlow® Plus, to its sepsis protocol (∼700 patients/year). The study objective is to assess the implementation of this device in EMS fluid administration for out-of-hospital sepsis care.

Performance assessment of intravenous catheters for massive transfusion: A pragmatic in vitro study.

Rapid infusion of warmed blood products is the cornerstone of trauma resuscitation and treatment of surgical and obstetric massive hemorrhage. Integral to optimizing this delivery is selection of an intravenous (IV) catheter and use of a rapid infusion device (RID). We investigated which IV catheter and RID system enabled the greatest infusion rate of blood products and the governing catheter characteristics. The maximum flow rates of nine IV catheters were measured while infusing a mixture of packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma at a 1:1 ratio using a RID with and without a patient line extension. To account for IV catheters that achieved the RID's maximum 1000 ml/min, the conductance of each infusion circuit configuration was calculated. IV catheters of 7-Fr caliber or higher reached the maximum pressurized flow rate. The 9-Fr multi-lumen access catheter (MAC) achieved the greatest conductance, over sevenfold greater than the 18 g peripheral catheter (4.6 vs. 0.6ml/min/mmHg, p <.001). Conductance was positively correlated with internal radius (β= 1.098, 95% CI 4.286-5.025, p <.001) and negatively correlated with length (β= -0.495, 95% CI -0.007 to 0.005, p <.001). Use of an extension line (β= -0.094, 95% CI -0.505 to -0.095, p= .005) was independently associated with reduced conductance in large caliber catheters. Short, large-diameter catheters provided the greatest infusion rates of massive transfusion blood products for the least pressure. For patients requiring the highest transfusion flow rates, extension tubing should be avoided when possible.

High Occurrence of Potential Contamination Risks Observed for Pediatric Patients Receiving Rapid Fluid Boluses with Single-use Syringes

BACKGROUND The disconnect-reconnect technique (DRT) and push-pull technique (PPT) are commonly used to deliver fluid boluses to pediatric patients with septic and hypovolemic shock. Maintaining aseptic technique can be challenging as both methods include many steps during which syringes and tubing can become contaminated. However, there is a paucity of research regarding the contamination risks or CLABSI (central line associated blood stream infections) rate secondary to PPT or DRT methods. This study examines the rate of aseptic violations in a simulated environment. METHODS Ten pediatric critical care nurses were asked to deliver 500mL of saline to a simulated 25kg patient through a 22G (gauge) catheter using PPT and DRT techniques. Nurses were instructed to follow aseptic technique and administer the fluid boluses rapidly. Aseptic violations were recorded by an independent observer. RESULTS An average of 32.9 (SD+/-20.9) and 17.7 (SD+/-8.4) aseptic violations per each 500mL bolus were observed using DRT and PPT, respectively. With PPT, 97% of violations occurred due to hand contact with the sterile portion of the plunger. With DRT, hand contact with both the plunger (60%) and the syringe tip (14%) were observed. With all nurses, the needleless hub was cleaned only prior to the initial syringe connection, not in between subsequent connections. CONCLUSIONS The simulation had a high rate of contamination events when using both DRT and PPT. Previous research suggests that repeated contact of the syringe plunger increases the risk of potential pathogens infused into the patient. Reducing the number of patient connections and reducing aseptic plunger violations may decrease the risks of hospital acquired infections associated with fluid resuscitation. Greater awareness of these risks, and the use of a rapid infusion device which eliminates these two risks, should be considered. The disconnect-reconnect technique (DRT) and push-pull technique (PPT) are commonly used to deliver fluid boluses to pediatric patients with septic and hypovolemic shock. Maintaining aseptic technique can be challenging as both methods include many steps during which syringes and tubing can become contaminated. However, there is a paucity of research regarding the contamination risks or CLABSI (central line associated blood stream infections) rate secondary to PPT or DRT methods. This study examines the rate of aseptic violations in a simulated environment. Ten pediatric critical care nurses were asked to deliver 500mL of saline to a simulated 25kg patient through a 22G (gauge) catheter using PPT and DRT techniques. Nurses were instructed to follow aseptic technique and administer the fluid boluses rapidly. Aseptic violations were recorded by an independent observer. An average of 32.9 (SD+/-20.9) and 17.7 (SD+/-8.4) aseptic violations per each 500mL bolus were observed using DRT and PPT, respectively. With PPT, 97% of violations occurred due to hand contact with the sterile portion of the plunger. With DRT, hand contact with both the plunger (60%) and the syringe tip (14%) were observed. With all nurses, the needleless hub was cleaned only prior to the initial syringe connection, not in between subsequent connections. The simulation had a high rate of contamination events when using both DRT and PPT. Previous research suggests that repeated contact of the syringe plunger increases the risk of potential pathogens infused into the patient. Reducing the number of patient connections and reducing aseptic plunger violations may decrease the risks of hospital acquired infections associated with fluid resuscitation. Greater awareness of these risks, and the use of a rapid infusion device which eliminates these two risks, should be considered.

Safety of blood mixture transfusion by rapid infusion device in liver transplantation recipients

Safety of blood mixture transfusion by rapid infusion device in liver transplantation recipients

Vital Recorder\u2014a free research tool for automatic recording of high-resolution time-synchronised physiological data from multiple anaesthesia devices

The current anaesthesia information management system (AIMS) has limited capability for the acquisition of high-quality vital signs data. We have developed a Vital Recorder program to overcome the disadvantages of AIMS and to support research. Physiological data of surgical patients were collected from 10 operating rooms using the Vital Recorder. The basic equipment used were a patient monitor, the anaesthesia machine, and the bispectral index (BIS) monitor. Infusion pumps, cardiac output monitors, regional oximeter, and rapid infusion device were added as required. The automatic recording option was used exclusively and the status of recording was frequently checked through web monitoring. Automatic recording was successful in 98.5% (4,272/4,335) cases during eight months of operation. The total recorded time was 13,489 h (3.2 ± 1.9 h/case). The Vital Recorder’s automatic recording and remote monitoring capabilities enabled us to record physiological big data with minimal effort. The Vital Recorder also provided time-synchronised data captured from a variety of devices to facilitate an integrated analysis of vital signs data. The free distribution of the Vital Recorder is expected to improve data access for researchers attempting physiological data studies and to eliminate inequalities in research opportunities due to differences in data collection capabilities.

Rapid infusion pump overestimates delivered flow during rapid vascular filling: a bench study.

Despite now being rarely used in the prehospital and emergency department arena because of their excessive length and low inner diameter, narrow-bore central venous catheters (CVC) are sometime used to perform fluid resuscitation using a rapid infusion pump to enhance delivered flow. In this bench study, we tested the hypothesis that the delivered flow rate downstream from the catheter connected to a rapid infusion pump would be significantly lower than the preset flow rate, and this difference would be affected by the catheter size. Eight units of each type of catheter [two 15 and 20 cm narrow-bore CVC and three 14, 16 and 18 G peripheral venous catheters (PVC)] were connected to a rapid infusion device and were tested with physiological saline. Measurements were repeated using glycerol solution with a viscosity similar to that of packed red blood cells. Infusion pump flow rates were preset to 100, 200, 300 and 400 ml/min. Flow rates were measured downstream from catheters, each connected to a rapid infusion device. The downstream flow rate remained lower than the preset flow rate except with the 14 and the 16 G PVC at 100 ml/min (P<0.001). The type of catheter significantly impacted the flow rates measured with physiological saline (F4,105=1008.83, P<0.001) and glycerol solution (F4,105=1843.46, P<0.001). Using a rapid infusion device, the delivered flow rate was lower than the preset flow rate. Even PVCs are better than narrow-bore CVC, neither is the most suitable cannula for patients requiring massive resuscitation.

Novel rapid infusion device for patients in emergency situations

Rapid fluid administration is often required for resuscitation when patients are admitted in emergency department with hypovolemic shock or excessive blood loss. Various methods have been described earlier to increase the fluid administration speed. Larger vein size, larger bore cannula, height of fluid, pressure over fluid bottle etc. are some of methods described in such situations.We here describe a novel method to administer intravenous fluid rapidly and this method can be utilized in emergency and trauma settings.

Risk Factors for Massive Bleeding during Major Hepatectomy

Massive bleeding during hepatectomy is a risk for mortality and morbidity. We examined the risk factors for massive bleeding and their correlations with outcomes. The study was a retrospective case series. Among 353 consecutively hepatectomized patients, the mean estimated blood loss (EBL) was 825 ml. Ten patients (2.8%) experienced EBL of between 3000 and 5000 ml. Five patients (1.4%) experienced massive EBL defined as more than 5000 ml, and all five patients had undergone right major hepatectomy (RMH) for primary liver cancer (PLC). All the patients with PLC who underwent RMH were divided into two groups: group I with EBL < or = 5000 ml (n = 19) and group II with EBL > 5000 ml (n = 5). Perioperative factors regarding massive bleeding and operative mortality and morbidity were compared between the two groups. Among the ten patients who experienced EBL of between 3000 and 5000 ml, three had partial hepatectomy of no more than subsegmentectomy of the paracaval portion of the caudate lobe and three had central bisegmentectomy. The mean tumor size was 7.9 +/- 4.7 cm in group I and 15.1 +/- 2.2 cm in group II (P = 0 .0034). Tumor compression of the inferior vena cava (IVC) on CT scans was observed in all patients in group II, but in no patients in group I (P < 0.0001). Four of five patients in group II received surgery through an anterior approach. The liver-hanging maneuver (LHM) was applied in 14 of 19 patients (74%) in group I but could not be applied in group II (P = 0.0059). No postoperative and in-hospital mortalities occurred in group II and there were no significant differences in the incidence of mortality and morbidity between the groups. RMH for large PLCs, tumor compression of the IVC, and an anterior approach without the LHM are risks for massive bleeding during hepatectomy. Preparation of rapid infusion devices in these cases is necessary to avoid prolonged hypotension.

Cardiac Arrests Associated with Hyperkalemia During Red Blood Cell Transfusion: A Case Series

Transfusion-associated hyperkalemic cardiac arrest is a serious complication of rapid red blood cell (RBC) administration. We examined the clinical scenarios and outcomes of patients who developed hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest during rapid RBC transfusion. We retrospectively reviewed the Mayo Clinic Anesthesia Database between November 1, 1988, and December 31, 2006, for all patients who developed intraoperative transfusion-associated hyperkalemic cardiac arrest. We identified 16 patients with transfusion-associated hyperkalemic cardiac arrest, 11 adult and 5 pediatric. The majority of patients underwent three types of surgery: cancer, major vascular, and trauma. The mean serum potassium concentration measured during cardiac arrest was 7.2 +/- 1.4 mEq/L (range, 5.9-9.2 mEq/L). The number of RBC units administered before cardiac arrest ranged between 1 (in a 2.7 kg neonate) and 54. Nearly all patients were acidotic, hyperglycemic, hypocalcemic, and hypothermic at the time of arrest. Fourteen (87.5%) patients received RBC via central venous access. Commercial rapid infusion devices (pumps) were used in 8 of 11 (72.7%) of the adult patients, but RBC units were rapidly administered (pressure bags, syringe pumped) in all remaining patients. Mean resuscitation duration was 32 min (range, 2-127 min). The in-hospital survival rate was 12.5%. The pathogenesis of transfusion-associated hyperkalemic cardiac arrest is multifactorial and potassium increase from RBC administration is complicated by low cardiac output, acidosis, hyperglycemia, hypocalcemia, and hypothermia. Large transfusion of banked RBCs and conditions associated with massive hemorrhage should raise awareness of the potential for hyperkalemia and trigger preventative measures.

Perioperative factors and outcome associated with massive blood loss during major liver resections

Mortality and morbidity rates from major liver resections have decreased sharply over the past 25 years. This improvement is due to a better understanding of liver anatomy and the introduction of new operative techniques, but also to improved anesthetic perioperative support. Certain cases are still associated with voluminous blood loss. These patients may be at higher risk for postoperative problems and increased length of stay (LOS) in hospital. We have retrospectively reviewed 115 patients undergoing major hepatic resections (three or more anatomic segments) with respect to operative blood loss (EBL). Those with an EBL >or=5000 ml (group 1; n = 39) were compared to those with an EBL <or=2000 ml (group 2; n=42). Type of resection, age (>or=70 years), tumor size, mortality, morbidity, and hospital LOS were examined. Operative reports were examined for any explanation for excessive blood loss. Anesthetic support often entailed the use of a rapid infusion system. The EBL was 7692+/-3848 ml for group 1 and 1359+/-514 ml for group 2. Primary liver tumors were resected in 20 patients in group 1 and in 18 patients in group 2. The remaining resections were for metastatic tumors, primarily colorectal in origin. In group 1, 13/39 patients had a left hepatectomy compared to 10/42 patients in group 2 (p=0.34). The overall mortality was 5/1 15. Four deaths occurred in group 1 and one in group 2 (p=0.16). Two deaths in group 1 were intra-operative (hemorrhage, air embolism). There was no difference in the number of patients with complications, 12/ 39 in group 1 and 8/42 in group 2 (p=0.22). Two patients in group 1 required re-operation for bleeding; there were none in group 2. Largest tumor size did not differ between the two groups (p=0.08), nor did the proportion of patients aged 70 years or older (p=0.06). There was no difference in hospital LOS (10.54+/-6.1 vs 8.90+/-4.7 days, p=0.2l). Review of operative notes in group 1 indicated no unusual problems in 13/39, large tumors or proximity to the inferior vena cava in 10/39, and bleeding from the middle hepatic vein in 7/39. Three patients in group 1 required total vascular exclusion for tumor removal; there were none in group 2. Massive EBL during major liver resection seems to be provoked by tumors near the inferior vena cava or major hepatic veins, or injury to the middle hepatic vein during operation, and not by patient age, tumor size alone, or type of hepatectomy. However, by avoiding prolonged hypotension and hypothermia with the use of rapid infusion devices, the perioperative course of these patients does not differ from those with much less EBL.

A Versatile Extracorporeal Circuit for Use During Repair of Descending and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms in High-Risk Patients with Cardiac and/or Pulmonary Dysfunction: A Novel Approach to a Significant Perfusion Management Dilemma

The incidence of ischemic complications associated with repair of descending and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms has been significantly reduced by the use of distal aortic perfusion with moderate hypothermia, cerebral spinal fluid drainage, and segmental sequential clamping techniques. However, because the maintenance of proximal perfusion, the adequacy of left heart bypass (LHB), and the ability to ventilate patients on only one lung are all dependent on ventricular and pulmonary function, high- risk patients with descending and/or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms in the presence of cardiopulmonary insufficiency or instability present a difficult challenge for the surgical team. Traditional closed LHB circuits become nonfunctional in the event of cardiac arrest or refractory arrhythmias that create hemodynamic instability and are unable to provide necessary pulmonary support if the patient fails to ventilate adequately on one lung during thoracotomy. Furthermore, converting a patient from closed LHB to traditional venoarterial cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is frequently difficult, especially when the perfusionist works without the benefit of extra personnel to assist during such crises. Consequently, a modified extracorporeal circuit was designed to provide closed LHB with desired therapeutic adjuncts while also satisfying the additional need for a rapid infusion device, a source of supplemental ventilation/oxygenation, and, if necessary, the ability to convert the patient to venoarterial CPB conveniently in the event of cardiac and/or pulmonary failure during surgery to repair descending and/or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

Rapid Transfusion Devices for Hemorrhagic Cardiothoracic Trauma

Cardiothoracic trauma patients are frequently hypovolemic and hypothermic and may require massive transfusion, which can itself causesuch complications as acidosis, electrolyte imbalance (hypocalcemia and hyperkalemia), hypothermia, di lutional coagulopathy, and adultrespiratory distress syn drome. At the present time, there are a number of rapid infu sion devices such as Level I® (capable of delivering 37°C at a flow rate of up to 600 ml/min), Fluid Management System® (FMS®) (which can deliver 37.5°C of fluid at a flow rate of up to 500 ml/min), Rapid Infusion System® (RIS®) (which can pro vide up to 1,500 ml of 37°C fluid in one and one half minutes), and Rapid Solution Administration Set® (RSASO) (which can not only deliver a maximum of 2,200 m/min, but can warm the fluid to normothermia at a flow rate of 500 ml/min). However, pressurized devices such as Level IO can cause air embolism, interstitial infiltration and the compartment syndrome, and the flow rate is not operator-controlled. Devices such as FMS®, RIS®, and RSAS® incorporate a cardiotomy reservoir which has the potential for clot formation when any calcium-con taining solution is added. In this article, rapid infusion devices are compared, and complications associated with massive transfusion are described.

Perfusion method for thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair using the open distal technique.

Challenges related to perfusion support of thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair include maintenance of distal aortic perfusion, rapidity of fluid resuscitation, and avoidance of both hypothermia and excessive hemodilution. Using available technology, we have devised a circuit and protocol that addresses these issues. To accomplish such support a bypass circuit consisting of 3/8 inch tubing connected to a centrifugal pump and low-prime heat exchanger was constructed. The circuit was primed via 1/4 inch spiked connectors attached to a 3-liter bag of normal saline. After initial de-airing, the solution was recirculated through this bag. Patients were anticoagulated with 1 mg/kg of heparin prior to initiation of support. Left atrial-descending aorta bypass was used primarily. A cell salvage device was used for autotransfusion. All blood products were delivered via a rapid infusion device. During partial exsanguination, shed blood was not processed, but directed to the rapid infusor for immediate retransfusion. Any packed cells given were washed prior to transfusion. Citrate dextrose solution was used as an anticoagulant for the cell scavenger. This configuration was used successfully in 50 procedures during an 18-month period. Use of this low-prime, custom circuit reduced both hemodilution and cost. A connection off the cell salvage pump offers fast retransfusion of shed blood during partial exsanguination. Minimal heparinization and citrate anticoagulation appears to reduce coagulopathy.

Double volume exchange transfusion for ABO incompatible liver transplantation in paediatric patients: intraoperative and preoperative approach.

Double volume blood exchange transfusions (DBVET) were used to reduce the serum antibody levels in six paediatric patients receiving ABO incompatible hepatic allografts. In four patients, the exchange transfusions took place on the ward prior to surgery. In three of these four patients who had titres measured, the anti-A IgM titres fell from 1024 to 64, 64 to 8, and 128 to 16, respectively. The anti-A IgG titres fell from 32 to 16 and 512 to 64 in two patients, but rose from 16 to 32 in the third. In two patients DBVET were performed intraoperatively using a rapid infusion device. The IgM titres fell from 256 to 32 and 64 to 1, respectively, and the IgG titres fell from 16 to 4 and 2 to 0. Intraoperative DBVET can acutely and effectively reduce blood group antibodies. Intraoperative DBVET may reduce graft ischaemia time and allow red blood cell salvage.

A Modified Collection and Rapid Infusion System for Shed Whole Blood Autotransfusion During Aortic Aneurysm Surgery

We describe our experience in 10 patients (5 males) undergoing resection of a descending thoracic aortic aneurysm or a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm in which a modified shed whole blood collection and autotransfusion system was used. This modification allows several options for the processing and autotransfusion of shed blood: use of the cell saving device or the ultrafiltration of collected blood, and the autotransfusion of unprocessed shed whole blood. Either low dose heparin or sodium citrate was used for anticoagulation. All 10 patients underwent autotransfusion and volume resuscitation with the modified rapid infusion device. Total autotransfusion ranged from 1400 ml to 7843 ml. Ultrafiltration volumes ranged from 600 ml to 1100 ml. There were no intraoperative deaths and no patient reoperations for bleeding. Arterial blood gases, potassium, and platelet counts were all within the normal laboratory ranges. This modification enables the clinician to process poor quality shed blood and reinfuse whole blood, in an attempt to decrease the need for homologous blood products.

Clinical management of infants and newborn babies undergoing major surgery utilizing a rapid infusion device

SummaryIn this paper we describe the perioperative management of a premature infant who underwent excision of a giant sacrococcygeal teratoma, a newborn infant who had a partial hepatectomy for a haemangioendothelioma of the liver and an 18‐month‐old infant who had repair of abdominal aortic, renal and iliac arterial aneurysms. In each case a rapid infusion device was used to deliver warm, washed and ventilated blood to replace massive intraoperative blood loss. Although the blood loss in each operation was in excess of twice the total blood volume of the patient, losses were replaced effectively with the rapid infusion device without any significant hypovolaemic episodes. Successful management of newborn babies and infants undergoing surgery with large and potentially hazardous blood loss can be provided using the rapid infusion device. Paediatric anaesthesiologists should strongly consider using this technology when caring for a baby or infant during surgery where massive haemorrhage may occur.