Blood Conservation Techniques Research Articles

When blood is not an option. The awareness of bloodless medicine among Polish nurses

ObjectivesBlood transfusions (BTs) are generally safe and potentially life-saving but come with risks. The World Health Organization advocates reducing unnecessary transfusions and using patient blood management strategies and techniques. However, providing bloodless medical care to patients who prefer to avoid blood-related treatments is a challenge. This is because healthcare professionals’ beliefs about blood transfusion may not align with those of their patients. This study delves into Polish nursing personnel's attitudes toward bloodless medicine (BM), highlighting the potential gap between their knowledge and patient needs. MethodsWe conducted an online survey among 202 Polish nurses on non-blood management techniques, risks related to BT and BM, and nurses’ educational needs regarding BM. ResultsAlthough many nurses had some knowledge of BM, Polish nurses’ awareness of non-blood management techniques is relatively low: while less than half knew alternative treatment methods and drugs used in BM, many were unaware of the various risks or side effects related to BM. It also shows that more than three-quarters of nurses believed that patients should have the right to make an informed refusal of BT. While 87.1% of nurses rated their knowledge about BM insufficient or very poor, 66.3% did not feel prepared to care for patients who require non-blood management techniques. ConclusionsThis study underscores the urgent need to educate nurses on blood conservation methods, blood substitutes, and techniques of non-blood management. Incorporating these into the nursing curriculum is crucial for patients’ safety and well-being and our healthcare system's effectiveness. The potential impact of these findings on the healthcare system is significant, underlining the urgency and importance of addressing the knowledge gap in non-blood management techniques. Public Interest SummaryAlthough the World Health Organization recommends using non-blood management techniques, most nurses providing bloodless medical care to patients who wish to avoid blood transfusion do not feel prepared to care for such patients. This study describes the attitudes of Polish nursing personnel toward bloodless medicine. It demonstrates that Polish nurses do not possess knowledge of non-blood management techniques, and their awareness of patient blood management methods and drugs used in bloodless medicine is low. However, it also reveals a positive aspect: Most Polish nurses are interested in broadening their knowledge of bloodless medicine. This strong motivation to improve their skills and knowledge in this area is encouraging and should be harnessed to drive positive change in the field of bloodless medicine.

The impact of a bloodless medicine program on pancreatic resections: A single-institution experience incorporating patients with borderline-resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancer

BackgroundPatients undergoing pancreatic resection who decline blood transfusion represent a clinical challenge. While bloodless medicine programs are valuable, their impact remains unclear, especially for those with borderline-resectable and locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). MethodsRetrospective review of institutional databases identified patients who did not accept blood transfusion and underwent pancreatic resection from 2013–2022. We collated hemoglobin values, interventions to minimize symptomatic anemia, and patient outcomes. ResultsThirteen patients were identified. Median age was 63 years (range: 52–75 years) and eight (61.5 %) were female. All procedures were performed electively for invasive malignancy with PDAC as the most common diagnosis (11/13; 84.6 %) and pancreaticoduodenectomy as the most common procedure (11/13; 84.6 %). Vascular involvement was common in the 11 patients with PDAC (borderline-resectable: 7/11; 63.6 % and locally advanced: 3/11; 27.3 %), as was the use of multi-agent chemotherapy (n = 10) and preoperative radiotherapy (n = 8) prior to surgery. Median blood loss was 400 mL (range: 100–2200 mL). Intraoperative measures included acute normovolemic hemodilution in one patient and red blood cell salvage in three patients. Median preoperative hemoglobin was 12.3 g/dL (range: 10.3–14.2 g/dL) and median nadir hemoglobin was 9.2 g/dL (range: 5.2–11.8 g/dL). Median hospital stay was 10 days (range: 6–42 days). Thirty-day mortality was 0 % and one-year overall survival was 69.2 % with median follow-up of 26.4 months. ConclusionPancreatic resections can be performed safely in patients who decline blood transfusion, even with borderline-resectable and locally advanced PDAC. Avoiding transfusions and employing blood-conservation techniques does not appear to detrimentally impact survival.

Postoperative long‑term outcomes of acute normovolemic hemodilution in pancreatic cancer: A propensity score matching analysis.

Acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) is a useful intraoperative blood conservation technique. However, the impact on long-term outcomes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unclear. The present study investigated the impact of ANH on long-term outcomes in patients with PDAC undergoing radical surgery. Data from 155 resectable PDAC cases were collected. Patients were categorized according to whether or not they had received intraoperative allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) or ANH. Postoperative complications, recurrence-free survival (RFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS), before and after propensity score matching (PSM), were compared among patients who did and did not receive ANH. A total of 44 patients (28.4%) were included in the ANH group and 30 patients (19.4%) were included in the ABT group; 81 (52.3%) patients, comprising the standard management (STD) group, received neither ANH nor ABT. The ABT group had the worst prognosis among them. Before PSM, ANH was significantly associated with decreased RFS (P=0.043) and DSS (P=0.029) compared with the STD group before applying Bonferroni correction; however, no significant difference was observed after applying Bonferroni correction. Cox regression analysis identified ANH as an independent prognostic factor for RFS [relative risk (RR), 1.696; P=0.019] and DSS (RR, 1.876; P=0.009). After PSM, the ANH group exhibited less favorable RFS [median survival time (MST), 12.1 vs. 18.1 months; P=0.097] and DSS (MST, 32.1 vs. 50.5 months; P=0.097) compared with the STD group; however, these differences were not statistically significant. In conclusion, while ANH was not as harmful as ABT, it exhibited potentially more negative effects on long-term postoperative outcomes in PDAC than STD.

Consensus of the Brazilian association of hematology, hemotherapy and cellular therapy on patient blood management: History and scenario of patient blood management in the world and in Brazil

Patient Blood Management (PBM) is a multidimensional approach that seeks to optimize the use of blood and its components in patients. This matter emerged as a response to the need to reduce unnecessary exposure to blood transfusions and their potential risks. In the past, blood transfusion was often overused resulting in complications and high costs. The advent of Patient Blood Management has caused a paradigm shift, highlighting anemia prevention, bleeding control and maximizing the production of blood cells by the organism itself. Patient Blood Management guidelines include the early identification of anemia, strategies to minimize blood loss during surgery, intraoperative blood conservation techniques, preoperative hemoglobin optimization and evidence-based approaches to the rational use of blood transfusions. Aiming to improve clinical outcomes, decrease transfusion-related complications and reduce associated costs, this multidisciplinary approach counts on doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. Based on research and clinical evidence, Patient Blood Management continues to evolve thereby promoting safer, more effective patient-centered practices. Its implementation has proven beneficial in various medical contexts thereby contributing to improvements in the quality of care provided to patients. Our goal with this Consensus is to present readers with a broad and diverse view of Patient Blood Management so that they have the building blocks to implement this new technique.

Fine tuning for totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery: ERAS applications.

One of the philosophies of minimally invasive mitral surgery is to enhance recovery after surgery (ERAS). Beyond surgical applications, ERAS applications provide a complementary approach to optimize postoperative course and discharge. In this report, we aim to present institutional protocol for ERAS and its results in patients who underwent totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery (TEMVS). Between 2021 and 2023, totally 113 patients who underwent TEMVS were included in this study. TEMVS was performed by peripheral cannulation and 3D endoscopic technique. As a dedicated team, institutional ERAS protocols which are used are listed above: (1) Education; operative course, cessation of smoking and alcohol. (2) Anemia; diagnostic evaluation and its treatment by iv iron. (3) Optimization of blood glucose; checking of HbA1c and control of hyperglycemia. (4) Rehabilitation; Physical and pulmonary rehabilitation. (5) Anxiety and Analgesia treatment. (6) Blood Conservation techniques; Antifibrinolytic, acute normovolemic hemodilution, less priming volume, mini-incision, meticulous surgery by 3D endoscope. (7) Postoperative; early extubation, prevention of nausea, aggressive analgesia, early mobilization, early removal of tubes. (8) Restrictive transfusion strategy. (9) Early discharge. The mean age was 54.7 years, and 56% was female. The rate of iv iron therapy for anemia was 26.5%. Mitral repair was performed in 58.4% of the cases. The repair rate of degenerative mitral valve was 96.9%. Of all, 68.1% did not have any red packed cells and 15.9% had only one unit. Ninety-five patients (90.2%) did not have any unit of fresh frozen plasma. The median extubation time was 7 h. On the postoperative first day, 96% of foley catheters, 87% of all central venous catheter and 93% of all drainage tubes are removed. The rates of respiratory, infectious, and renal complications were 9%, 3.5%, 3.4% respectively. The median ICU, and hospital stays were 1 and 5 days respectively. There was only one mortality in the early postoperative period. Totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery provides minimal surgical trauma. By the addition of well-established and nurse-based ERAS protocols, complication and transfusion rates can be decreased, early recovery and discharge can be provided.

The role of acute normovolemic hemodilution in reducing allogeneic blood transfusion in glioblastoma surgery: a case–control study

BackgroundAcute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) was first introduced in glioblastoma surgery, and its role in reducing allogeneic blood transfusion was investigated in this study.MethodsThis study enrolled supratentorial glioblastoma patients who received total resection. In the ANH group, the patients were required to draw blood before the operation, and the blood will be transfused back to the patient during the operation. The association between ANH and clinical features was investigated.ResultsSixty supratentorial glioblastoma patients were enrolled in this study, 25 patients were allocated in the ANH group, and another 35 patients were included in the control group. ANH dramatically reduced the need for allogeneic blood transfusion (3 [12%] vs 12 [34.3%], P = 0.049), and the blood transfusion per total of patients was dramatically decreased by the application of ANH (0.40 ± 1.15 units vs 1.06 ± 1.59 units, P = 0.069). Furthermore, ANH also markedly reduced the requirement of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion (2 [8%] vs 11 [31.4%], P = 0.030) and the volume of FFP transfusion per total of patients (32.00 ± 114.46 mL vs 115.71 ± 181.00 mL, P = 0.033). The complication rate was similar between the two groups.ConclusionsANH was a safe and effective blood conservation technique in glioblastoma surgery.

Efficacy of autologous plateletpheresis in adult aortic surgery: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionPerioperative coagulopathy is common in patients undergoing aortic surgery, increasing the risk of excessive blood loss and subsequent allogeneic transfusion. Blood conservation has become a vital part of cardiovascular surgery,...

Spinal deformity surgery in patients for whom blood transfusion is not an option: a single-center experience.

Spinal deformity surgery is associated with significant blood loss, often requiring the transfusion of blood and/or blood products. For patients declining blood or blood products, even in the face of life-threatening blood loss, spinal deformity surgery has been associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. For these reasons, patients for whom blood transfusion is not an option have historically been denied spinal deformity surgery. The authors retrospectively reviewed a prospectively collected data set. All patients declining blood transfusion who underwent spinal deformity surgery at a single institution between January 2002 and September 2021 were identified. Demographics collected included age, sex, diagnosis, details of any prior surgery, and medical comorbidities. Perioperative variables included levels decompressed and instrumented, estimated blood loss, blood conservation techniques used, length of surgery, length of hospital stay, and complications from surgery. Radiographic measurements included, where appropriate, sagittal vertical axis correction, Cobb angle correction, and regional angular correction. Spinal deformity surgery was performed in 31 patients (18 male, 13 female) over 37 admissions. The median age at surgery was 41.2 years (range 10.9-70.1 years), and 64.5% had significant medical comorbidities. A median of 9 levels (range 5-16 levels) were instrumented per surgery, and the median estimated blood loss was 800 mL (range 200-3000 mL). Posterior column osteotomies were performed in all surgeries, and pedicle subtraction osteotomies in 6 cases. Multiple blood conservation techniques were used in all patients. Preoperative erythropoietin was administered prior to 23 surgeries, intraoperative cell salvage was used in all, acute normovolemic hemodilution was performed in 20, and perioperative administration of antifibrinolytic agents was performed in 28 surgeries. No allogenic blood transfusions were administered. Surgery was staged intentionally in 5 cases, and there was 1 unintended staging due to intraoperative blood loss from a vascular injury. There was 1 readmission for a pulmonary embolus. There were 2 minor postoperative complications. The median length of stay was 6 days (range 3-28 days). Deformity correction and the goals of surgery were achieved in all patients. Two patients underwent revision surgery during the follow-up period: one for pseudarthrosis and the other for proximal junctional kyphosis. With proper preoperative planning and judicious use of blood conservation techniques, spinal deformity surgery may be performed safely in patients for whom blood transfusion is not an option. The same techniques can be applied widely to the general population in order to minimize blood loss and the need for allogeneic blood transfusion.

Factors Affecting Intraoperative Blood Loss in Scoliosis Surgery: An Observational Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Significant intraoperative blood loss may be associated with scoliosis surgery. To know about the quantity of blood loss and risk factors associated is imperative in limiting the blood loss as well as to plan transfusion strategies like blood conservation techniques. Aim: To evaluate the quantity of intraoperative blood loss in scoliosis surgery and to study the various factors contributing to blood loss. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional prospective observational study conducted at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, India, from January 2019 to January 2020. Thirty-five (ASA I and II) consecutive patients were scheduled to undergo surgery for correction of scoliosis, and consecutive sampling was done. Age, gender, weight, height and body mass index were noted. During surgery, intraoperative blood loss was measured by gravimetric method from the suction drain and by numerically assessing the quality of the surgical field by the operating surgeon using fromme’s ordinal scale. All these data were entered into structured proforma and analysed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Results: The mean age of subjects was 13.69±1.43 years. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 645.60±143.26 mL {20.11±11.7 % of Estimated blood volume (EBV)}. Mean duration of surgery (r=0.890, p<0.001),Cobb’s angle (r=0.829, p<0.001), number of fused vertebra (r=0.694, p<0.001) correlated with intraoperative blood loss, expressed as a percentage of EBV. The quality of the surgical field, using Fromme’s ordinal scale by visual assessment, correlated with the mean intraoperative blood loss (p=0.001). Conclusion: Duration of surgery, number of fused vertebrae, and preoperative cobb’s angle are the most important factors predicting intraoperative blood loss in patients undergoing scoliosis surgery.

Blood Conservation in Anaesthesia and Surgery - A Review

Dangers to blood transfusion exist even when stringent methods are used to screen blood before transfusion. These dangers include blood transfusion reactions and the transmission of bacteria, viruses and protozoa to patients. Blood conservation adopts strategies that restrict the transfusion of homologous blood to patients. Conservation starts in the preoperative period and includes the diagnosis and management of anaemia. Augmentation of the preoperative haemoglobin can be achieved by using a combination of iron preparations, vitamins, protein supplementation, erythropoietin and treatment for malaria in suspected patients. Maintenance of the intravascular volume during surgery can be achieved using colloids and crystalloids. Blood conservation techniques, including induced hypotension, use of anti-fibrinolytics and acceptable forms of autologous blood transfusion reduce the need for allogeneic blood transfusion. Blood conservation methods are also important in critically ill patients and includes, accepting lower haemoglobin levels, restricting the amount of blood taken during phlebotomy and the use of erythropoietin/erythropoietin receptor agonists.

Effects of room temperature and cold storage on the metabolic and haemostatic properties of whole blood for acute normovolaemic haemodilution.

BackgroundAcute normovolaemic haemodilution (ANH), as a blood-conservation technique, avoids the need for allogeneic blood transfusions. The historic practice of cold-storing type-O whole blood (WB) in military fields popularised the transfusion of refrigerated WB to treat acute bleeding. In this study, we compared the effects of room temperature (RT) and refrigeration up to 24 hours on the coagulation properties of WB for ANH.Materials and methodsEach WB sample, collected from 12 male volunteers, was divided into two parts, one stored at RT and the other refrigerated for 24 hours. Complete blood counts (CBC), blood gas levels, and coagulation profiles were measured, and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) measurements were performed at the initial collection time point (baseline) and at 6, 12, and 24 hours after initial collection.ResultsThe preservation of platelet aggregation response induced by arachidonic acid and adenosine diphosphate was better in cold-stored WB compared to that in RT-stored WB. The platelet aggregation response induced by thrombin receptor-activating peptide 6 was significantly decreased in all samples after 24 hours of storage when compared with that at baseline. The lactate levels in WB stored at RT increased significantly after 6 hours of storage compared to that of cold-stored samples. There were no significant differences in CBC, coagulation parameters, and ROTEM variables between the cold-stored and RT-stored WB samples.ConclusionWB for ANH stored in the refrigerator showed better metabolic characteristics after 6 hours of storage and better aggregation response after 12 hours of storage than WB stored at RT.

801 Topical hemostatic agents in burn surgery: a systematic review

IntroductionAcute burn surgery (tangential excision and grafting) has long been associated with significant intra-operative bleeding over large surface areas, where in adults approximately 200-250 mL of blood loss would be expected per %TBSA excised and grafted using traditional methods. Several techniques were introduced to limit bleeding, including tourniquets, tumescent infiltration, and topical agents. To date, no study has comprehensively investigated the available data regarding topical hemostatic agents in burn surgery.MethodsA systematic review was performed by two independent reviewers using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from first available to September 10, 2021. Articles were included if they were published in English and described or evaluated topical hemostatic agents used in acute burn surgery (excision and/or grafting). Animal studies and review articles were excluded. Data was extracted on the topical agent(s) used, their dosage, mode of delivery, hemostasis outcomes (if measured), and complications (if reported).ResultsThe search identified 1982 non-duplicate citations, of which 134 underwent full text review, and 49 met inclusion criteria. Papers were grouped whether they compared (n=11, 22%), described (n=21, 43%) or secondarily described (n=17, 35%) topical hemostatic agents. Several authors (n=22, 45%) described topical hemostatics as part of a protocol that included other methods of blood conservation (tourniquet, tumescent infiltration, etc). In total, 31 studies incorporated a vasoconstrictor agent (epinephrine, phenylephrine, vasopressin), and 30 studies incorporated a procoagulant agent (thrombin, fibrin). Four studies incorporated other agents (hydrogen peroxide, tranexamic acid and collagen). The most common vasoconstrictor used was epinephrine, with doses ranging from 1:1,000 to 1:1,000,000. The most common procoagulant used was thrombin, with doses ranging from 10 to 1000 IU/mL. Among the comparative studies, outcomes of blood loss were not reported in a consistent manner, therefore meta-analysis could not be performed. The majority of studies (94%) were level of evidence III to V.ConclusionsA multitude of topical hemostatic agents have been reported in the burn literature, with a wide range of dosages and modes of deliveries, as well as protocolization with other blood conservation techniques to limit blood loss during surgery. Determining the optimal topical hemostatic agent is limited by low quality data and challenges with consistent reporting of intra-operative blood loss and other clinically meaningful outcomes.

Hemodilution in high-risk cardiac surgery: Laboratory values, physiological parameters, and outcomes.

Acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) is a blood conservation strategy in cardiac surgery, predominantly used in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and/or valve procedures. Although higher complexity cardiac procedures may benefit from ANH, concerns for hemodynamic instability, and organ injury during hemodilution hinder its wider acceptance. Laboratory and physiological parameters during hemodilution in complex cardiac surgeries have not been described. This observational cohort (2019-2021) study included 169 patients who underwent thoracic aortic repair, multiple valve procedure, concomitant CABG with the aforementioned procedure, and/or redo sternotomies. Patients who received allogeneic blood were excluded. Statistical comparisons were performed between ANH (N=66) and non-ANH controls (N=103). ANH consisted of removal of blood at the beginning of surgery and its return after cardiopulmonary bypass. Intraoperatively, the ANH group received more albumin (p=.04) and vasopressor medications (p=.01), while urine output was no different between ANH and controls. Bilateral cerebral oximetry (rSO2 ) values were similar before and after hemodilution. During bypass, rSO2 were discretely lower in the ANH versus control group (right rSO2 p =.03, left rSO2 p=.05). No differences in lactic acid values were detected across the procedural continuum. Postoperatively, no differences in extubation times, intensive care unit length of stay, kidney injury, stroke, or infection were demonstrated. This study suggests hemodilution to be a safe and comparable blood conservation technique, even without accounting for potential benefits of reduced allogenic blood administration. The study may contribute to better understanding and wider acceptance of ANH protocols in high-risk cardiac surgeries.

The impact of blood conservation techniques on transfusion requirements for posterior adolescent idiopathic scoliosis corrections: do we need a routine cross-match for the operation?

Various strategies are utilised to reduce blood loss and allogenic blood transfusion for posterior instrumented correction of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). The aim of this study was to evaluate post-operative blood transfusion requirements to determine whether routine cross matching of blood is essential. This is a prospective case series of 84 patients who underwent posterior correction of AIS between September 2016 and March 2018. We reviewed demographic, operative, radiological data and transfusion requirements. Results of transfusion requirements in 44 patients who underwent Ponte osteotomies (F:M = 36:8; mean age 14.8years) were compared with 40 patients (F:M = 9:31; mean age 14.4years) who did not and provided the control group. A transfusion trigger of 80mg/dl with clinical caveats was utilised. Cross matching and procurement costs of allogenic blood/unit were ascertained. Five patients required postoperative blood transfusion on days 2 or 3. Anaesthetic time (p = 0.0003) and preoperative Cobb angle (p = 0.0166) were significant variables between both groups and post-operative Hb (p = 0.0084) and number of levels fused (p = 0.0312) being significant in patients requiring transfusion. Unutilised units on the day of the operation incurred £30,030 (£380/patient or £154/unit) in operational costs. Our audit demonstrates that transfusion on the day of the operation was not required. We recommend that routine crossmatching is not essential for primary posterior correction for AIS with blood conservation techniques. Blood grouping with availability of urgent blood is sufficient at the onset of operation. This has financial implications and cost savings. III.

Оценка эффективности технологии «Менеджмент крови пациента» в акушерском стационаре третьего уровня

A review of literature and our own experience in implementing the Patient Blood Management (PBM) approach in a level III maternity unit with a focus on postpartum hemorrhage was conducted. Based on a comparative analysis, the main directions of clinical and economic optimization of blood conservation techniques and correction of anemia in obstetrics were described. The results of introducing into daily practice rotational tests (ROTEM) as a routine method of assessing the blood coagulation system were presented. A comparative sensitivity analysis of the results of thromboelastometry and hemostasis screening test in pathological obstetric hemorrhage was conducted. On the basis of the analysis performed, the advantages of implementing the key strategies of PBM in the maternity unit in terms of clinical and economic efficiency and transfusiology safety were demonstrated. Key words: patient blood management, ROTEM test, placenta accreta, blood salvage (Cell Saver), autologous blood donation

Preoperative Hemoglobin Optimization in Jehovah's Witness Cardiovascular Surgery Patients with Anemia and Barriers to Care

Cardiac surgery has a risk for extensive blood loss which poses a particular challenge in individuals refusing blood transfusions. Additionally, preoperative anemia with a hemoglobin (Hb) below 13 g/dL in men and 12 g/dL in women is associated with increased short and long-term complications and mortality and increases the need for blood transfusion support. The current guidelines for perioperative anemia management recommend optimizing hemoglobin levels prior to surgery and utilizing blood conservation techniques during the procedure. At present red blood cell (RBC) transfusions during cardiac surgery are usually recommended when Hb levels are below 7-8 g/dL a restrictive transfusion strategy to reduce complications. However, the use of any RBC transfusions is associated with worse outcomes in cardiac surgery compared with those who do not receive transfusions.We have found that JW seek out quality health care and accept the vast majority of medical treatments once they are educated. The Transfusion Free Medicine Coordinator's role in the Anemia Clinic is to endorse clinical strategies for managing hemorrhage and anemia without blood transfusion. They educate and counsel the patients so they can decide as to what blood fractions and cell salvage techniques they will accept. We have found that some Health Care Providers are unaware that ESAs also contain albumin so JW patients may be given this product without that knowledge. The vast majority of patients will accept the use of ESAs but find the cost prohibitive.Jehovah's Witness patients have provided a natural case study for examining how well adjuvant therapies can improve preoperative anemia without transfusions and continue with good outcomes. Hb optimization is achieved through the use of intravenous iron and, if needed, erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs). In Table 1 we highlight our single center data in which all cardiovascular surgeries were performed by a surgeon experienced in blood-conservation strategies. Our thirty-day re-admission rates for all patients was zero percent, compared to state-specific data, which estimates about an 11.7% rate of re-admission. The data illustrate the need to have a target Hb 13 or above to allow for the decline that may occur during the hospital stay. Of note no thromboembolic events have occurred with the use of an ESA in this group.Although ESAs are approved to optimize Hb in orthopedic surgery, they are not covered for cardiac surgery which has presented a significant challenge to patients who can not safely proceed to surgery until a target Hb between 13 to 15 g/dL is achieved.These data highlight the utility and safety associated with the use of ESAs for patients who do not accept blood products at an experienced Center for Transfusion-Free Medicine, such as ours. At this time, since insurance companies do not cover the cost of ESAs for patients needing life-saving cardiovascular operations, cost is a prohibitive barrier for patients. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for patients to have to borrow money from others or set up payment plans. We hope that analyses like ours will help drive changes in reimbursement policies, particularly for patients who based on religious convictions, cannot receive blood products, and thus for whom pre-operative hemoglobin optimization is of utmost importance. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare. OffLabel Disclosure:Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) are indicated for the treatment of anemia due to Chronic Kidney Disease in patients on dialysis and not on dialysis, Zidovudine in patients with HIV-infection, anemia due to myelosuppressive chemotherapy and reduction of allogeneic RBC transfusions in patients undergoing elective, noncardiac, nonvascular surgery

Safety and feasibility of urological procedures in Jehovah's Witness patients.

To describe the safety and feasibility of urological transfusion-free surgeries in Jehovah's Witness patients. An institutional review board-approved, retrospective review of Jehovah's Witness patients who underwent urological transfusion-free surgeries between 2003 and 2019 was carried out. Surgeries were stratified into low, intermediate and high risk based on complexity, invasiveness and bleeding potential. Patient demographics, perioperative data and clinical outcomes are reported. A total of 161 Jehovah's Witness patients (median age 63.4 years) underwent 171 transfusion-free surgeries, including 57 (33.3%) in low-, 82 (47.9%) in intermediate- and 32 (18.8%) in high-risk categories. The mean estimated blood loss increased with risk category at 48 mL (range 10-50 mL), 150 mL (range 50-200 mL) and 388 mL (range 137-500 mL), respectively (P < 0.001). Implementing blood augmentation and conservation techniques increased with each risk category (3.5% vs 29% vs 69%, respectively; P < 0.001). Average length of stay increased concordantly at 1.6 days (range 0-12 days), 2.9 days (range 1-13 days) and 5.6 days (range 2-12 days), respectively (P ≤ 0.001). However, there was no increase in complication rates and readmission rates attributed to bleeding among the risk categories at 30 days (P = 0.9 and 0.4, respectively) and 90 days (P = 0.7 and 0.7, respectively). Transfusion free urological surgery can be safely carried out on Jehovah's Witness patients using contemporary perioperative optimization. Additionally, these techniques can be expanded for use in the general patient population to avoid short- and long-term consequences of perioperative blood transfusion.

Implementation of an electronic identification system in the setting of perioperative autologous cell salvage transfusion: Experience at a university hospital

Perioperative autologous cell salvage (PACS) is one of the effective strategies in patient blood management (PBM). However, mistransfusion, in which the wrong blood is transfused to the wrong patient, of PACS units has been reported. In this study, we implemented a bar code-based electronic identification system (EIS) for blood transfusion in the setting of PACS transfusion. Between February 2009 and December 2020, a total of 12341 surgical patients (9% of whom received surgical interventions) received blood transfusion, among whom 6595 (54 %) received autologous blood transfusion alone, 2877 (23 %) both autologous and allogeneic blood transfusions, and 2869 (23 %) allogeneic blood transfusion alone. Among autologous blood conservation techniques, PACS units were transfused to 7873 patients (83 %) without a single mistransfusion. Rates of overall compliance with the electronic pre-transfusion check at the bedside for all autologous units and PACS units were 98.8 and 98.5 %, respectively. Our observations suggest that a bar code-based EIS can be successfully applied to PACS transfusion, as well as allogeneic blood transfusion in operating rooms.

Cell Saver Blood Reinfusion Up to 24 Hours Post Collection in Pediatric Cardiac Surgical Patients Does Not Increase Incidence of Hospital-Acquired Infections or Mortality

Cell saver blood reinfusion, a blood conservation technique recently available for pediatric use, is typically limited to 6 hours post processing to guard against bacterial contamination. We hypothesize that reinfusion of cell saver blood up to 24 hours post collection in children after cardiac surgery will not increase the incidence of hospital-acquired infections (HAI). The primary aim is to compare incidence of HAI between children receiving cell saver blood ≤6 hours vs. &gt;6 to ≤24 hours from its collection. The secondary aim is to compare mortality and clinical outcomes. Retrospective chart review of children ≤18 years undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) from 2013 to 2018 when cell saver collection and bedside temperature controlled storage became standard of care. Patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) within 48 hours postoperatively and those who did not receive cell saver were excluded. The primary outcome was HAI incidence postoperative days 0–6. Demographic data included diagnosis, surgical severity score, and clinical outcomes. 466 patients, 45% female. No significant between-group differences identified. There was no significant difference in HAI (control 8.5% vs. treatment 8.0%,p= .80) and death (control 7.9% vs. treatment 4.9%,p= .20). Noninferiority testing indicated the treatment group was not statistically inferior to the control group (p= .0028). Kaplan–Meier curve depicted similar status between-group rates of no infection or death; 92% treatment vs. 91% control. Total volume allogeneic red blood cell transfusion (allogeneic blood transfusion [ABT]) up to 24 hours postoperatively was significantly less in the treatment group,p&lt; .0001. Incidence of HAI or mortality was not increased in patients receiving cell saver blood reinfusion &gt;6 to ≤24 hours post collection. Treatment subjects received significantly less volume of ABT. Considering the risks of ABT, these findings support cell saver blood reinfusion up to 24 hours post collection.

Cell Saver Blood Reinfusion Up to 24 Hours Post Collection in Pediatric Cardiac Surgical Patients Does Not Increase Incidence of Hospital-Acquired Infections or Mortality.

Cell saver blood reinfusion, a blood conservation technique recently available for pediatric use, is typically limited to 6 hours post processing to guard against bacterial contamination. We hypothesize that reinfusion of cell saver blood up to 24 hours post collection in children after cardiac surgery will not increase the incidence of hospital-acquired infections (HAI). The primary aim is to compare incidence of HAI between children receiving cell saver blood ≤6 hours vs. >6 to ≤24 hours from its collection. The secondary aim is to compare mortality and clinical outcomes. Retrospective chart review of children ≤18 years undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) from 2013 to 2018 when cell saver collection and bedside temperature controlled storage became standard of care. Patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) within 48 hours postoperatively and those who did not receive cell saver were excluded. The primary outcome was HAI incidence postoperative days 0-6. Demographic data included diagnosis, surgical severity score, and clinical outcomes. 466 patients, 45% female. No significant between-group differences identified. There was no significant difference in HAI (control 8.5% vs. treatment 8.0%, p = .80) and death (control 7.9% vs. treatment 4.9%, p = .20). Noninferiority testing indicated the treatment group was not statistically inferior to the control group (p = .0028). Kaplan-Meier curve depicted similar status between-group rates of no infection or death; 92% treatment vs. 91% control. Total volume allogeneic red blood cell transfusion (allogeneic blood transfusion [ABT]) up to 24 hours postoperatively was significantly less in the treatment group, p < .0001. Incidence of HAI or mortality was not increased in patients receiving cell saver blood reinfusion >6 to ≤24 hours post collection. Treatment subjects received significantly less volume of ABT. Considering the risks of ABT, these findings support cell saver blood reinfusion up to 24 hours post collection.