Fat removal during cell salvage: an optimized program for a discontinuous autotransfusion device.

Background: Fat in wound blood observed in orthopedic or cardiac surgery might pose a risk for fat embolism during blood salvage. Fat removal was optimized in the washing process.

Study Design And Methods: In an experimental study blood from fresh donations was adjusted to a hematocrit (Hct) of 25% and an admixture of 1.