Which of the following techniques is used in auto transfusion?
Auto transfusion, also known as autologous transfusion, is a medical procedure that involves collecting and transfusing a patient’s own blood before a surgical procedure. This technique has gained popularity due to its numerous benefits, such as reducing the risk of transfusion reactions, minimizing the risk of infections, and ensuring the availability of compatible blood. In this article, we will explore the various techniques used in auto transfusion and their applications in modern medicine.
One of the most common techniques used in auto transfusion is the preoperative blood collection method. This involves drawing a predetermined amount of blood from the patient before the surgery. The collected blood is then processed and stored until it is needed during the operation. This method is particularly useful for patients who are at high risk of blood loss, such as those undergoing cardiac surgery or joint replacements.
Another technique is the intraoperative cell salvage method. This technique involves collecting blood lost during surgery and reinfusing it back into the patient. A cell saver machine is used to filter and process the blood, removing any debris or contaminants before it is returned to the patient. This method is particularly beneficial for patients who experience significant blood loss during surgery, as it reduces the need for donor blood and minimizes the risk of transfusion reactions.
A third technique is the acute normovolemic hemodilution. This method involves diluting the patient’s blood with a saline solution before surgery, which allows for the collection of more blood during the procedure. The diluted blood is then returned to the patient at the end of the surgery, restoring their normal blood volume and hemoglobin levels. This technique is often used in patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries or cardiac procedures.
A fourth technique is the salvage of shed blood. In some cases, blood may be lost during surgery and not collected by the cell saver machine. To minimize this loss, surgeons may use suction devices to collect shed blood and then reinfuse it back into the patient. This technique is particularly useful in procedures where blood loss is difficult to control, such as liver transplants or abdominal surgeries.
Lastly, the use of apheresis in auto transfusion is another technique that has gained attention. Apheresis involves separating specific blood components, such as red blood cells or platelets, from the rest of the blood. These separated components can then be collected and transfused back into the patient during surgery. This method is particularly beneficial for patients who require specific blood components, such as those with clotting disorders or anemia.
In conclusion, auto transfusion utilizes various techniques to ensure the safe and effective collection and transfusion of a patient’s own blood. These techniques, including preoperative blood collection, intraoperative cell salvage, acute normovolemic hemodilution, salvage of shed blood, and apheresis, have revolutionized the field of transfusion medicine and have become an essential part of modern surgical practices.
