Autologous blood transfusion in coronary artery bypass surgery.

Forty-four patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery participated in an autologous blood donor program. Blood was collected at weekly intervals up to three days prior to the scheduled date of surgery. Sixteen patients donated a total of two autologous units each, and 28 patients donated one autologous unit each. No donor morbidity or mortality was encountered during or following blood donation. Autologous blood accounted for more than one-third of all blood required by these patients throughout their hospital courses. Autologous transfusion appears to be a safe procedure for patients with severe coronary artery disease.