Autologous blood salvage in cardiac surgery: clinical evaluation, efficacy and levels of residual heparin

ABSTRACT Objective: Intraoperative blood salvage (cell saver technique) in cardiac surgery is universally used in surgical procedures with a marked risk of blood loss. The primary objectives of this study were to determine the concentration of residual heparin in the final product that is reinfused into the patient in the operating room and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the cell saver technique. Method: Twelve patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery were enrolled in this study. Using the XTRA Autotransfusion System, blood samples were collected from the cardiotomy reservoir, both prior to blood processing (pre-sample) and after it, directly from the bag with processed product (post-sample). Hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, the protein, albumin and residual heparin concentrations, hemolysis index, and the platelet, erythrocyte and leukocyte counts were measured. Results: Hematocrit and hemoglobin levels and red blood cell counts were higher in post-processing samples, with a mean variation of 54.78%, 19.81 g/dl and 6.84 × 106/mm3, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean hematocrit of the processed bag was 63.49 g/dl (range: 57.2-67.5). The residual heparin levels were ≤0.1 IU/ml in all post-treatment analyses (p = 0.003). No related adverse events were observed. Conclusion: The reduced residual heparin values (≤0.1 IU/ml) in processed blood found in this study are extremely important, as they are consistent with the American Association of Blood Banks guidelines, which establish target values below 0.5 IU/ml. The procedure was effective, safe and compliant with legal requirements and the available international literature.

Correção cirúrgica da estenose aórtica supravalvar com modificação da técnica de Sousa / Supravalvular aortic stenosis surgical repair using modified Sousa's technique

Relato de uma paciente de sete anos apresentando progressiva intolerância ao esforço. A criança apresentava taquicardia e sopro pansistólico de maior intensidade no foco aórtico. O ecocardiograma evidenciava hipertrofia ventricular esquerda e estenose aórtica supravalvar com gradiente sistólico de 190 mmHg. A angioressonância e o cateterismo cardíaco confirmaram o diagnóstico, sugerindo estenose do óstio da artéria coronária esquerda. A correção foi realizada modificando a técnica descrita por Sousa. A evolução pósoperatória transcorreu sem intercorrências, com gradiente pós-operatório de 23 mmHg e boa mobilidade da valva aórtica.

Report of a patient with seven years old and effort intolerance progressing. The child had tachycardia, pansystolic murmur in the aortic focus. Echocardiography showed left ventricle hypertrophy and aortic narrowing at the level of sinotubular junction with sistolic gradient of 190 mmHg. Cardiac catheterization confirmed the diagnostic suggesting left coronary ostium stenosis. The surgery was performed modification the technique, described by Sousa. Immediate post-operative has presented no complications, with gradient of 23 mmHg, and good leaflets mobility.