Shed whole blood autotransfusion during aortic aneurysm operation with a modified collection infusion system

We describe a modified shed whole blood collection and autotransfusion system that allows several options for the processing and autotransfusion of shed blood: use of the Cell Saver (Haemonetics, Braintree, MA) or the ultrafiltration of collected blood, and the autotransfusion of unprocessed shed whole blood. The system has proved useful for transfusion in the setting of thoracic aortic operations, and we describe here our experience in 5 patients undergoing resection of a descending thoracic aortic aneurysm in whom this system was used.