Could be Good News If it is Acceptable?

[Grummit]

New technology to transform blood processing

A pioneering surgical blood salvage technology developed at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, is set to transform the way major surgery is carried out by reducing blood loss in patients.

HemoSep is set to revolutionise the health care sector after gaining the CE mark and receiving Canadian national approval, following highly successful clinical trials in the world leading University of Kirikkale University Hospital in Ankara, Turkey.

The device is designed to recover blood spilled during open-heart and major trauma surgery and concentrate the blood cells for transfusion back to the patient. This process, known as autotransfusion, reduces the volume of donor blood required and the problems associated with transfusion reaction...............................................................................................................................(lots more)

http://www.strath.ac.uk/press/newsreleases/headline_648390_en.html

[rbrown1205]

If I remember correctly autotransfusion is a conscience matter, as long as the circuit is essentially closed between the bleeding wound, and the machine, and blood vessel through which the blood is returned. Perhaps someone could do the research.

[Doug]

I Googled HemoSep and picked out a report from the BBC. It is, apparently, highly successful at recovering the lost blood by means of a surgical sponge in the area of the wound. Then, by means of mechanical agitation, the red cells are separated and returned to the patient.

The article summarized the new device by saying 'it should greatly reduce the need for donated blood once it becomes standard protocol'. (Paraphrased - Not a quote). Due to its compact design it is the way to go in cases of trauma, whereas the cell saver will continue to work just fine in planned procedures.

Should be interesting to see how much resistance the blood business exerts against this becoming 'standard protocol' here in the U.S.

[rbrown1205]

Yes, I remember the article about the monetary incentive involved in blood transfusions.