Filters in autologous blood retransfusion systems affect the amount of blood cells retransfused in total knee arthroplasty: a pilot study.

A pilot study was undertaken to evaluate whether filters integrated in postoperative retransfusion systems affect the amount of blood cells retransfused after total knee arthroplasty. Twenty-two consecutive patients received either the Donor retransfusion system (n=12 patients) or the Bellovac ABT retransfusion system (n=10). Both systems differ with respect to the type of filter, a Pall Lipiguard filter and a Sangopur filter, respectively.