Whole blood intra-operative salvage and reinfusion in patients undergoing venous thrombectomy.

Concern regarding the risk of disease transmission via blood transfusion together with periodic shortages of homologous blood has stimulated an interest in and the usage of autologous blood. Forty-nine patients had shed blood salvaged during venous thrombectomy. Between 200-3800 ml of blood were salvaged and reinfused using Solcotrans. No patient in this study required an homologous blood transfusion. The haematological parameters studied showed figures within the normal, acceptable range post-reinfusion. No patient experienced a clinical coagulopathy or showed evidence of renal dysfunction. The device is simple to use, safe and effective.