Cell saving systems do not reduce the need of transfusion in low-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Objectives: Cell saving systems have been widely used to reduce blood loss and need of transfusions. These device are mainly indicated in complex cardiac surgery procedures and in those patients with a high risk of bleeding. However, it is not clear if there is a benefit of a cell saver (CS) system in low-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Our aim was to analyze if the use of CS systems reduce the need of blood products in low-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods: Between February and June 2009 all low-risk patients (EuroSCORE<10%) undergoing coronary or valve procedure were selected (n=63). Exclusion criteria were: combined procedure, aorta procedure, redo surgery, emergency procedures, creatinine levels>2 mg/ml, anemic patients and patients with a body surface area (BSA)<1.6 m2. Patients were randomized to undergo cardiac surgery with a cell saving system (group CS) (n=34) or without (control group, CO) (n=29). All patients received tranexamic acid during the procedure. Need of blood products and clinical outcomes were analyzed in both groups.

Results: Mean age was 64.7±12.3 years old with 33% of female patients. Baseline clinical characteristics and preoperative blood count cell were similar in both groups. Mean CS blood reinfused was 461±174 ml (maximum: 985 minimum: 259). A total of 59 red blood packages were transfused in 25 patients (mean 1.02±1.3; range: 0-5). The proportion of patients being transfused was similar in both groups (CS: 40% vs. CO: 46.4%; P=0.79). Eleven plasma packages were transfused (CS: 8 vs. CO: 3; P=0.77) and three platelet pools were used in group CS and none in group CO (P=0.08). Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative hemoglobin levels>13.3 g/dl [relative risk (RR): 0.29; confidence interval (CI): 0.09-0.99] and BSA>1.74 (RR: 0.19; CI: 0.54-0.68) were protective against blood transfusion.

Conclusions: In low-risk patients CS system did not reduce the need of blood transfusion. Clinical outcomes were similar regardless of the use of a cell saver system. A low preoperative hemoglobin level and a low BSA were related with the use of blood products.