Transfusion
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Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) regularly results in postoperative requirement of blood transfusion. Because of the disadvantages of allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) such as the risk of transfusion-associated infections, incompatibility-related transfusion fatalities, or immunomodulatory effects, a continuing effort to reduce allogeneic blood transfusion is important. For this purpose, the effect of reinfusion of drain blood, via a postoperative wound drainage and reinfusion system, on the need for allogeneic blood transfusion was evaluated. ⋯ We conclude that the Bellovac ABT device reduces allogeneic blood transfusions in TKA and THA.
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Transfusions are intended to augment oxygen-carrying capacity. The ability of fresh and stored red blood cells (RBCs) to maintain microvascular perfusion and oxygen delivery to the tissue has not been directly measured. ⋯ Circulation of stored RBCs in a hemodiluted animal resulted in significantly malperfused and underoxygenated microvasculature that was not detectable at the systemic level.