[A new method for intraoperative autotransfusion].

In the surgical department of the University of Cologne a new system for autotransfusion (Solcotrans) was used 74 times in 18 patients. This system consists of a plastic case connected with a vacuum pump by an air tube. After filling the plastic case with 50 ml of sodium citrate, 500 ml blood can be aspirated by the surgeon and reinfused by the anaesthetist. The system was used in venous thrombectomy, in aneurysms of the abdominal aorta and in shunt surgery due to portal hypertension. Thus stored blood was not necessary in 13 operations.