What does a cell saver do for blood transfusion patients?

A cell saver, also known as a blood salvage and reinfusion system (BSR), is a medical device used to collect and re-infuse a patient's own blood during surgical procedures or traumatic events. It aids in reducing the need for blood transfusions from donors and ensures the patient receives their blood. Here's what a cell saver does:

1. Blood Collection: During a surgery or trauma, the cell saver is connected to a patient's surgical field or a source of bleeding. It uses low-pressure suction to collect blood, including any that may have been lost due to injury or leakage. The collected blood is stored in a sterile, disposable container.

2. Filtration: The cell saver filters the collected blood to remove debris such as tissue fragments, fat, and fibrin. This filtration ensures that the re-infused blood is safe for transfusion and that it does not contain any contaminants that could potentially harm the patient.

3. Processing and Reinfusion: Once the blood is filtered, it undergoes further processing. This may involve adding an anticoagulant to prevent clotting during storage and removing excessive saline or other fluids to concentrate the red blood cells. After processing, the blood is re-infused into the patient's bloodstream through an intravenous line.

4. Blood Transfusion Reduction: By collecting and re-infusing the patient's own blood, the need for blood transfusions from unrelated donors is significantly reduced or eliminated. This decreases the risk of transfusion-related complications, such as immune reactions, infections, and fluid overload.

5. Autologous Transfusion: Using the patient's blood for re-infusion is considered autologous transfusion, as the blood is derived from the same individual and is not donated by another person. This minimizes the chances of allergic reactions or rejection related to blood type incompatibility.

6. Reduced Risk of Infection: Since the re-infused blood is from the patient's circulation, it lowers the risk of transmitting infectious diseases. This benefit is especially important for patients with compromised immune systems or those undergoing long or complex surgical procedures.

7. Increased Oxygen-Carrying Capacity: Red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen, can be salvaged and re-infused through a cell saver. By receiving their blood, patients maintain their red blood cell count and are less likely to experience anemia or require additional transfusions.

8. Cost Savings: Autologous blood transfusions using a cell saver can result in significant cost savings for healthcare institutions and patients. It reduces the expenses associated with procuring, testing, and transfusing donor blood and minimizes the need for additional medical resources and treatments.

Overall, a cell saver offers several advantages by recycling a patient's blood during surgical procedures and traumatic events, making blood transfusions safer and more effective.