In principle, plasmapheresis employs the same basic techniques as cell salvage but with some additional features. Depending on the make and model of the equipment employed it can be set up in a more or less closed system. This is something the patient would need to inquire about well before any proposed surgery. See the Wiki article on Intraoperative Blood Salvage.

LisaC,

You have used the term "closed circuit". When I entered the field of bloodless medicine in 1991 emphasis was placed on providing "continuous loop or closed circuit" when handling blood for cell salvage or other extra corporeal procedures. By 2000 things had changed a bit, and the emphasis was being placed on "storage" of blood. In other words is blood removed for use in providing fibrin glue or epidural patch stored or is it used immediately? When it comes to Jehovah's Witness patients, stored blood should not be used as it has been poured out and should be disposed.

For some, blood that is being used real-time during the procedure is not being stored or in other words has not been poured out, and so can be reintroduced in the form of a blood patch or fibrin glue etc. This same principle may influence the use of a cell salvage or heart lung bypass machine that must be temporarily disconnected from the patient in order to change filters etc.

This is not a forum for religious discussion, so the reasons behind this slight shift are left for you to research. However, be assured that the answers are readily available locally.


All the best.

__________________
Mr. Jan B. Wade
Blood Management Consultant
Enhance Outcomes - Control Cost
For Information Call - 360 296-1807
Email