INTRAOPERATIVE BLOOD SALVAGE Meaning and
Definition
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Intraoperative blood salvage refers to a medical technique used during surgical procedures to collect and reinfuse the patient's own blood that is lost during the operation. Also known as autologous blood transfusion or cell salvage, this procedure involves collecting the blood that is shed from the surgical site, filtering and processing it, and then returning it to the patient's circulation.
The process begins by placing a suction device near the surgical site to collect the blood that is lost during the procedure. The blood is then drawn into a specialized machine called a cell salvage device, where it undergoes a series of steps to remove any debris or contaminants. The collected blood is typically washed and filtered to ensure its quality before being stored in a sterile bag or container.
Once the necessary amount of blood has been collected and processed, it can be reinfused into the patient's body through a separate intravenous line. This allows the patient to receive their own blood, which can help minimize the need for donor blood transfusions, reduce the risk of allergic reactions or infections, and decrease overall healthcare costs.
Intraoperative blood salvage is commonly used in surgeries with a high volume of blood loss, such as orthopedic, cardiac, or trauma procedures. It provides patients with the option of utilizing their own blood, which is considered safer and carries a lower risk of complications compared to donor blood. The procedure also helps preserve the body's natural clotting factors and maintains the patient's blood volume, promoting a faster recovery and reducing the need for additional transfusions.
