Parietal Peritoneum Interposition Tube Graft as an Autologous Substitute for the Reconstruction of Inferior Vena cava Following Resection of Retroperitoneal Sarcoma.

Complete resection of large retroperitoneal tumors often requires vascular resection and reconstruction, which is frequently performed using prosthetic grafts. We report our experience with inferior vena cava reconstruction utilizing a large peritoneal interposition tube graft performed during en bloc resection of retroperitoneal sarcoma and multiorgan resection. This study aimed to increase the awareness of surgical oncologists about the venous reconstruction technique using a large autologous peritoneal graft. An elderly male presented to our cancer center with a history of persistent abdominal pain. The computed tomography (CT) scan reported a large retroperitoneal mass involving the right kidney and the inferior vena cava (IVC). En bloc tumor resection with right nephrectomy and resection of the IVC extending from just above the bifurcation up to the origin of the renal veins was done. IVC reconstruction was performed using autologous parietal peritoneum tube graft. Harvesting the peritoneum and fashioning a large peritoneal tube graft was challenging. Post-operatively, the patient recovered without any complications and was discharged on oral anticoagulants. The CT scan during the follow-up visit at 6 months revealed that the IVC graft was patent with a good flow. Autologous peritoneal grafts are a safe, valid, and readily available option for venous reconstruction.

Surgical retrieval of an embolized patent ductus arteriosus closure device in an infant weighing 1050 G.

The dislodgement of device during transcatheter procedure is a rare complication and the device can be retrieved by transcatheter techniques in most cases. In case of failed attempts, the surgery may be required and in haemodynamically unstable patients cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may be unavoidable. A case of surgical retrieving of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occlusion device (OD) from the right pulmonary artery (PA) in a 1050 g baby on CPB was presented. In literature, CPB use in babies weighing under 1 kg has been rarely reported. CPB support was performed securely in our case who is one of the tiniest patients operated on. CPB can be safe enough in the surgical approach of a complication of very low birth weight patient.

Stuck pericardial pigtail catheter in purulent pericarditis: early surgery?

Pyopericardium is rare in the modern antibiotic era but is still infrequently seen in the setting of immunosuppression, recent thoracic surgery and sepsis. Although classically an extension of a thoracic gram-positive bacterial infection, gram-negative bacterial purulent pericarditis may be encountered in the setting of nosocomial infections. Emergent pericardial drainage allows for prompt definitive management and planning for further intervention. Early surgery should be the priority after a failed retrieval of the catheter. Appropriate surgical methods should be employed to minimize complications associated with stuck catheters. We report a case of pyopericardium secondary to a clinically silent lung abscess in an immunocompetent 49-year-old patient. This was treated by standard pericardial drainage via a pigtail catheter. Multiple failed attempts in removal warranted a surgical approach to remove the coiled catheter. The catheter was found to be coiled around the heart with presence of clots in the pericardium.

Circumflex aortic arch: presentation across various age groups: a case series.

Circumflex aortic arch (CAA) is a rare congenital anomaly where the aortic arch crosses the midline, posterior to the esophagus and trachea, and descends on the contralateral side. If patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is present, this forms a true vascular ring. CAA can compress the trachea and esophagus leading to a myriad of symptoms which can present at any age. We describe our experience with three patients of the CAA, presenting across different age groups.

Asymptomatic Giant Aneurysm of the Arteria Lusoria Treated by Debranching and Aneurysmal Resection.

The aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA, arteria lusoria) is the most common intrathoracic vascular anomaly, affecting up to 2% of the population. However, aneurysms of congenital anomalies are extremely unusual and often present with dysphagia, dysphonia, or dyspnea due to compression of the surrounding structures. We report a case of an asymptomatic 57-year-old male with chronic kidney disease who was incidentally found to have a large aneurysm of the ARSA on preoperative computed tomography for laparoscopic nephrectomy. Surgery is unequivocally warranted as these aneurysms are associated with a high risk of complications, including thrombosis, embolism, and rupture. We debranched the ARSA, followed by anastomosis to the right carotid artery through a right neck incision. Subsequently, aneurysmal resection was performed through left thoracotomy. The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery and was asymptomatic during the follow-up.

Distal tracheal resection and reconstruction through right posterolateral thoracotomy.

Many retrospective series have been reported on the outcomes of tracheal resection for adenoid cystic carcinoma. However, demonstration on techniques of surgery and ventilatory management during the procedure are rare. We, herewith demonstrate a surgical video, wherein a distal tracheal resection was performed through right posterolateral thoracotomy.

Clinical variables responsible for early and late diagnosis of foreign body aspiration in pediatrics age group.

BACKGROUND: Incidence of foreign body aspiration has been noticed predominantly in age group ranging from 12 months-3 years. Foreign body in the trachea is a medical emergency as presentation is in respiratory distress. Obstruction of only one main or distal bronchus, leads to severe cough, choking sensation and breathlessness. Without early intervention, it can lead to collapse, consolidation and pneumonia of the affected lung. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 37 pediatric case records who presented from January 2014-December 2018 with foreign body aspiration. Our primary aim was to assess the parameters responsible for early and late diagnosis of foreign body aspiration. We concluded with a diagnostic algorithm for management of foreign body aspiration on the basis of this outcome. RESULTS: Around 32.5% came with a history of aspiration, 43% were referred from the primary centers with a suspicion for the same and the rest came to our tertiary care hospital directly. Those who presented within a week came with complaints of wet cough, wheeze and tachypnea. Furthermore, those who came in after a week had a dry cough and fever as their main complaint. Majority of ingested foreign bodies was a vegetative type (80%) as compared to the non -vegetative. CONCLUSION: Unlike adults, foreign body aspiration in children is most commonly diagnosed on history, suspicion and clinical findings. Chest x ray has been the primary investigation of choice but in the majority of the cases it was normal with subtle changes. Early diagnosis is the key to avoid complication.

Effect of Red Blood Cell Storage Duration on Outcome After Paediatric Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Retrospective reviews have found the use of stored packed red blood cells (PRBCs) in priming to be associated with increased risk of postoperative complications. The purpose of study was to prospectively investigate the influence of duration of storage of PRBCs used in priming the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit on the metabolic profile of the patients, and postoperative outcome after paediatric cardiac surgery. METHODS: Between January 2015 and December 2015, 198 consecutive children operated for cardiac surgery using CPB and received blood for priming the circuit were included. Patients were divided into two groups based on the duration of storage of the blood, newer PRBCs group who received blood stored for ≤14days and the older PRBCs group who received blood stored for >14 days. RESULTS: Mean duration of blood storage used for priming in newer PRBCs blood group (n=103) was 8.4±3.7days while it was 21.9±4.5days in older PRBCs group (n=95). Metabolic parameters of the PRBCs improved to physiological limits in both the groups after initiation of CPB. Postoperative hepatic, pulmonary, haematological complications, sepsis and multi-organ failure were more in the old PRBCs group. However, the difference was not significant. Similarly, there was no significant difference in incidence of prolonged mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay and hospital stay and mortality between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic parameters of the stored blood become normal after initiation of CPB irrespective of duration of storage. In paediatric patients without significant co-morbidity, undergoing cardiac surgery, transfusion of washed stored blood up to 28days in CPB priming is safe especially if lesser amount of transfusion is required.

Emergency brachial artery ligation for ruptured infected pseudoaneurysm of haemodialysis access is a possible option.

BACKGROUND: For patients with end-stage renal disease, a good vascular access is essential for chronic haemodialysis. Surgically created access arteriovenous fistula for haemodialysis is associated with multiple complications, and ruptured pseudoaneurysm being the most life threatening and dreaded of all. The management of this complication warrants emergency procedure, although timely diagnosis and arteriovenous fistula salvage has been emphasised. In this study, we describe the surgical technique and outcomes of ligation of the proximal arteriovenous fistula as a plausible alternative and life-saving procedure. METHOD AND RESULTS: This is a retrospective study performed between January 2011 and December 2016. A total of 588 native arteriovenous fistula-related surgeries were performed, of which 18 patients (3.06%) developed delayed complication of infected pseudoaneurysm and rupture. All presented to the emergency care with life-threatening bleeding. We describe the surgical technique as a life-saving measure to this fatal complication. CONCLUSION: Proximal arteriovenous fistula has higher incidence of aneurysmal complications than distal ones. Ligation of the brachial artery which was a 'grey zone' of unpredictable prognosis has yielded good results and can be safely performed in desperate situations with low complication rates.

Damus-Kaye-Stansel: Valuable Option for Retraining of Left Ventricle in Late Arterial Switch for Transposition of the Great Arteries.

Management of dextro-transposition of the great arteries with intact interventricular septum along with regression of the left ventricle remains a challenge. Atrial switch always raises concerns about the fate of the right ventricle as a systemic ventricle in the long run. A two-stage repair with pulmonary artery banding and a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt or a single-stage arterial switch with mechanical support has a higher mortality and morbidity. This report describes a case of a 3-year-old girl with dextro-transposition of the great arteries with intact interventricular septum that was managed by a Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure with a right bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis in the first stage to train the left ventricle, followed by a definitive operation (arterial switch) in the second stage.

Transverse Sternal Split: a Safe Mini-invasive Approach for Perventricular Device Closure of Ventricular Septal Defect.

OBJECTIVE:: Perventricular device closure of ventricular septal defect through midline sternotomy avoids the cardiopulmonary bypass, however, lacks the cosmetic advantage. Perventricular device closure of ventricular septal defect with transverse split sternotomy was performed to add the cosmetic advantage of mini-invasive technique. METHODS:: Thirty-six pediatric patients with mean age 7.14±3.24 months and weight 5.00±0.88 kg were operated for perventricular device closure of ventricular septal defect through transverse split sternotomy in 4th intercostal space under transesophageal echocardiography guidance. In case of failure or complication, surgical closure of ventricular septal defect was performed through the same incision with cervical cannulation of common carotid artery and internal jugular vein for commencement of cardiopulmonary bypass. All the patients were postoperatively followed, and then discharged from hospital due to their surgical outcome, morbidity and mortality. RESULTS:: Procedure was successful in 35 patients. Two patients developed transient heart block. Surgical closure of ventricular septal defect was required in one patient. Mean duration of ventilation was 11.83±3.63 hours. Mean intensive care unit and hospital stay were 1.88±0.74 days and 6.58±1.38 days, respectively. There was no in-hospital mortality. A patient died one day after hospital discharge due to arrhythmia. No patients developed wound related, vascular or neurological complication. In a mean follow-up period of 23.3±18.45 months, all 35 patients were doing well without residual defect with regression of pulmonary artery hypertension as seen on transthoracic echocardiography. CONCLUSION:: Transverse split sternotomy incision is a safe and effective alternative to a median sternotomy for perventricular device closure of ventricular septal defect with combined advantage of better cosmetic outcomes and avoidance of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Transverse Split Sternotomy: A Mini-Invasive Approach for Repair of Congenital Cardiac Defects.

OBJECTIVE: In this article, we aim to review our mini-invasive technique of transverse sternal split (TSS) with or without cervical cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), its usefulness, and efficiency for repair of congenital cardiac defects. METHODS: Between January 2013 and June 2015, 34 infants and small children were operated through TSS in third or fourth intercostal space [Tetralogy of Fallot 11, perventricular ventricular septal defect (VSD) device closure 23]. Cardiopulmonary bypass was established through cervical (common carotid artery [CCA] and internal juglar vein [IJV]) and inferior vena cava cannulation. In patients operated on CPB, near-infrared spectroscopy was monitored during surgery for cerebral oxygenation and Doppler ultrasonography was performed postoperatively for patency of CCA and IJV. Patients were followed up after discharge with physical examination and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). RESULTS: Surgical site exposure through TSS was adequate in all patients. There was no significant morbidity, postoperatively or during follow-up except three patients with VSD device closure who required prolonged mechanical ventilation. Cervical cannulation was sufficient for arterial inflow in all patients operated on CPB. There was one mortality and three procedure failures in VSD device closure group. There was no incidence of neurological complication. Both CCA and IJV were patent in all patients operated on CPB. No significant residual defect was found in either group on postoperative transthoracic echocardiography. CONCLUSIONS: Transverse sternal split with or without cervical cannulation is a feasible technique for repair of tetralogy of Fallot and perventricular device closure in selected group of infants and small children without compromising the exposure or quality of repair.

Transverse sternal split: a safe mini-invasive approach for perventricular device closure of ventricular septal defect

Abstract Objective: Perventricular device closure of ventricular septal defect through midline sternotomy avoids the cardiopulmonary bypass, however, lacks the cosmetic advantage. Perventricular device closure of ventricular septal defect with transverse split sternotomy was performed to add the cosmetic advantage of mini-invasive technique. Methods: Thirty-six pediatric patients with mean age 7.14±3.24 months and weight 5.00±0.88 kg were operated for perventricular device closure of ventricular septal defect through transverse split sternotomy in 4th intercostal space under transesophageal echocardiography guidance. In case of failure or complication, surgical closure of ventricular septal defect was performed through the same incision with cervical cannulation of common carotid artery and internal jugular vein for commencement of cardiopulmonary bypass. All the patients were postoperatively followed, and then discharged from hospital due to their surgical outcome, morbidity and mortality. Results: Procedure was successful in 35 patients. Two patients developed transient heart block. Surgical closure of ventricular septal defect was required in one patient. Mean duration of ventilation was 11.83±3.63 hours. Mean intensive care unit and hospital stay were 1.88±0.74 days and 6.58±1.38 days, respectively. There was no in-hospital mortality. A patient died one day after hospital discharge due to arrhythmia. No patients developed wound related, vascular or neurological complication. In a mean follow-up period of 23.3±18.45 months, all 35 patients were doing well without residual defect with regression of pulmonary artery hypertension as seen on transthoracic echocardiography. Conclusion: Transverse split sternotomy incision is a safe and effective alternative to a median sternotomy for perventricular device closure of ventricular septal defect with combined advantage of better cosmetic outcomes and avoidance of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Cervical Cannulation for Surgical Repair of Congenital Cardiac Defects in Infants and Small Children.

INTRODUCTION:: The biggest challenge faced in minimally invasive pediatric cardiac surgery is cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass. Our technique and experience of cervical cannulation in infants and small children for repair of congenital cardiac defects is reported in this study. METHODS:: From January 2013 to June 2015, 37 children (22 males) with mean age of 17.97±8.63 months and weight of 8.06±1.59 kg were operated on for congenital cardiac defects through right lateral thoracotomy. The most common diagnosis was ventricular septal defect (18 patients). In all patients, right common carotid artery, right internal jugular vein and inferior vena cava were cannulated for institution of cardiopulmonary bypass and aorta was cross clamped through right 2nd intercostal space. RESULTS:: There were no deaths or any major complications related to cervical cannulation. Common carotid artery cannulation provided adequate arterial inflow while internal jugular vein with inferior vena cava provided adequate venous return in all patients. No patient required conversion to sternotomy or developed vascular, neurological or wound related complications. Three patients had residual lesions (small leak across ventricular septal defect patch-2, Grade II left atrio-ventricular valve regurgitation-1) and one patient had mild left ventricular dysfunction. At discharge, both common carotid artery and internal jugular vein were patent on color Doppler ultrasonography in all patients. In a mean follow-up period of 11.4±2.85 months, all patients were doing well. No patient had any wound related, neurological or vascular complication. No patient had residual leak across ventricular septal defect patch. CONCLUSION:: Cervical cannulation of common carotid artery and internal jugular vein is a safe, reliable, efficient and quick method for institution of cardiopulmonary bypass in minimally invasive pediatric cardiac surgery.

Cervical cannulation for surgical repair of congenital cardiac defects in infants and small children

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The biggest challenge faced in minimally invasive pediatric cardiac surgery is cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass. Our technique and experience of cervical cannulation in infants and small children for repair of congenital cardiac defects is reported in this study. METHODS: From January 2013 to June 2015, 37 children (22 males) with mean age of 17.97±8.63 months and weight of 8.06±1.59 kg were operated on for congenital cardiac defects through right lateral thoracotomy. The most common diagnosis was ventricular septal defect (18 patients). In all patients, right common carotid artery, right internal jugular vein and inferior vena cava were cannulated for institution of cardiopulmonary bypass and aorta was cross clamped through right 2nd intercostal space. RESULTS: There were no deaths or any major complications related to cervical cannulation. Common carotid artery cannulation provided adequate arterial inflow while internal jugular vein with inferior vena cava provided adequate venous return in all patients. No patient required conversion to sternotomy or developed vascular, neurological or wound related complications. Three patients had residual lesions (small leak across ventricular septal defect patch-2, Grade II left atrio-ventricular valve regurgitation-1) and one patient had mild left ventricular dysfunction. At discharge, both common carotid artery and internal jugular vein were patent on color Doppler ultrasonography in all patients. In a mean follow-up period of 11.4±2.85 months, all patients were doing well. No patient had any wound related, neurological or vascular complication. No patient had residual leak across ventricular septal defect patch. CONCLUSION: Cervical cannulation of common carotid artery and internal jugular vein is a safe, reliable, efficient and quick method for institution of cardiopulmonary bypass in minimally invasive pediatric cardiac surgery.

Effect of Prime Blood Storage Duration on Clinical Outcome After Pediatric Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we tested the hypothesis that in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with blood prime, the storage duration of the packed red blood cells (PRBCs) used in prime led to differences in postoperative complications and metabolic profiles of the patients. METHODS: For this prospective observational study we included 400 pediatric patients undergoing cardiac operations using CPB and requiring PRBCs prime. To study the effect of storage duration of PRBCs on postoperative morbidity, mortality, and metabolic profile, patients were divided into four groups (based on storage duration of PRBCs used in prime). Group 1: ≤7 days, group 2: 8 to 14 days, group 3: 15 to 21 days, and group 4: >21 days. RESULTS: On univariate analysis, patients transfused with PRBCs stored >14 days had significantly higher incidence of postoperative complications, for example, liver dysfunction, hematological complications, sepsis, and multiorgan failure. However, after regression analysis and adjusting for the other confounder's effects, no significant association was found between storage duration of PRBCs and postoperative complications and mortality. Metabolic profile of PRBCs was observed to become deranged with increasing duration of storage. This, however, improved to near physiological range early after the initiation of CPB and remained normal one hour after weaning from CPB, irrespective of the storage duration. CONCLUSION: Storage duration of PRBCs used for priming the pediatric CPB circuit neither affects the metabolic profile of the patients on CPB or early after surgery, nor it has any association with postoperative complications and mortality.

Dialyzer-based cell salvage system: a superior alternative to conventional cell salvage in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objectives: Our goal was to test the hypothesis that the use of a dialyzer-based cell salvage system during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) reduces requirements for homologous blood transfusions (HBT) and improves postoperative haemtochemical parameters. Methods: Data were prospectively collected for 222 patients who had OPCABG using 3 different cell salvage techniques: (1) dialyzer-based cell salvage (DBCS) ( n = 75), (2) conventional cell salvage (CCS) ( n = 73) and (3) without cell salvage (WCS) ( n = 74). Salvaged blood was transfused at the end of the operation. The primary outcome of the study was the amount of homologous blood transfused. Secondary outcomes were changes in haemtochemical parameters, postoperative bleeding, need for non-invasive ventilation (NIV), postoperative complications, renal dysfunction, clotting derangement, duration of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay and mortality rates. Results: There were no deaths. In patients with >1000 ml blood loss, there was a significant reduction in HBT in the DBCS group (300 ± 161 ml) compared with the WCS group (550 ± 85 ml) ( P < 0.0001). Postoperative changes in haemtochemical parameters were significantly fewer in the DBCS group compared with the other 2 groups. The incidence of NIV ( P = 0.002), renal dysfunction ( P = 0.009) and postoperative complications ( P = 0.003) was least in the DBCS group and highest in the WCS group. Mean ICU stays were comparable ( P = 0.208); however, the mean hospital stay was significantly shorter in the DBCS group (6.08 ± 3.12 days) compared with the WCS group (7.54 ± 4.46 days) ( P = 0.022). There was no significant increase in coagulopathy in any group as suggested by comparable chest tube drainage ( P = 0.285) and comparable prothrombin time. Conclusions: The use of the DBCS system in OPCABG resulted in a significant reduction in HBT, improvement in postoperative levels of haemoglobin, platelets and albumin and reduction in complications without increased risk of coagulopathy.

Hemodiafiltration-A Technique for Physiological Correction of Priming Solution in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: An In Vitro Study.

Pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit invariably requires priming with packed red blood cells (PRBCs). Metabolic composition of stored PRBCs is unphysiological and becomes worse with increasing duration of storage. It is recommended to correct these abnormalities before initiation of CPB. We tested the hypothesis that hemodiafiltration of the prime with 0.45% saline is sufficient for reducing the metabolic load and reaching a physiologic state. In an in vitro study, 100 mL of blood each from 45 units of PRBCs stored for 3-20 days were used for priming the 45 neonatal CPB circuits. Based upon the method used for removal of excess crystalloid from the prime, circuits were divided into three groups. Group 1: Direct removal through manifold line. Group 2: Ultrafiltration of prime. Group 3: Hemodiafiltration of the prime. Blood gas analyses were obtained from the PRBCs and from the prime before and after removal of crystalloid. Both direct removal of crystalloid and ultrafiltration resulted in significant reduction in biochemical and metabolic load of blood (P < 0.001). However, the final composition of the prime was far from being physiological. Hemodiafiltration resulted in improvement of metabolic parameters to near physiological range (lactate: 33.8 ± 4.44 vs. 14 ± 2.53 mg/dL, pH: 7.05 ± 0.15 vs. 7.34 ± 0.06, bicarbonates: 4.83 ± 0.59 vs. 27.6 ± 2.94 meq/L; P < 0.001). Similarly, sodium (147.76 ± 12.73 vs. 144.6 ± 5.96 meq/L) and potassium (9.6 ± 2.83 vs. 4.23 ± 0.37 meq/L) also changed significantly (P < 0.001) to near physiologic range. Hemodiafiltraion of final prime is a simple, efficients and rapid method of correcting the biochemical parameters and reducing the metabolic load of stored PRBCs towards the physiological range before initiating the CPB.

Dumb-bell in the heart: rare case of biatrial myxoma with mitral regurgitation.

Cardiac myxomas are rare intracardiac tumors, and the majority are benign myxomas involving the left atrium. We report a case of the very rare occurrence of biatrial myxoma associated with mitral regurgitation, which was successfully treated.

Pretransfusion Comparison of Dialyser-Based Hemoconcentrator With Cell Saver System for Perioperative Cell Salvage.

OBJECTIVE: Cell Saver system is the method of choice for red blood cell salvage from the surgical field; however, cost is a limiting factor. We at our institute have devised a cost-effective version of dialyser-based autotransfusion system. We performed pretransfusion comparison of our autotransfusion system with conventional cell saver system. METHODS: A prospective randomized observational study was performed in 104 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease undergoing by off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Patients were divided into two groups. In the dialyser group (53 patients), blood from surgical field was salvaged by our dialyser-based system. In the cell saver group (51 patients), blood was salvaged by cell saver. In both groups, 20-mL sample from the salvaged blood was analyzed for hemoglobin, platelets, protein, albumin, free hemoglobin, osmotic fragility, and peripheral blood smear examination. RESULTS: Total hemoglobin salvaged was comparable in both groups (85% vs 76%). On peripheral smear, red blood cells were swollen, but morphology was preserved. Moreover, normal osmotic fragility suggested absence of any lethal damage to red blood cells in either group. Dialyser-based system was more efficient in salvaging platelets (42.9% vs 6%), proteins (79.2% vs 0%), and albumin (65% vs 0%). Total free hemoglobin was three times more in dialyser group but was well below recommended limits. CONCLUSIONS: Dialyser-based system is economical, is equally efficacious in salvaging red blood cells, is more effective in salvaging platelets and proteins, and does not contain significant amount of free hemoglobin. Therefore, this salvaged blood can be safely transfused.