A comparison of Cell Saver versus ultrafilter during coronary artery bypass operations.

A study was performed to evaluate two blood conservation techniques that can be used with high-volume crystalloid cardioplegia. Twenty-seven patients undergoing coronary artery bypass with high-volume crystalloid cardioplegia were randomized into two groups: In 12 Group I patients the coronary sinus effluent was drained into a Cell Saver and the recovered, washed red cells were then reinfused. In 15 Group II patients the coronary sinus effluent was absorbed systemically and excess volume was removed from the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit by an ultrafilter. These two groups were compared with a retrospective control group in which the cardioplegic solution had been evacuated from the right atrium and discarded. Both the techniques resulted in significant and equivalent red blood cell conservation compared with the retrospective control group. The ultrafilter was associated with less derangement of prothrombin time. More complete potassium removal was provided by the Cell Saver.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes