Intraoperative blood recovery.

Allogeneic transfusion, or transfusion of blood banked blood has been associated with a litany of complications for the recipient. These complications plus associated cost has led to the development of a concept called "patient blood management," which recognizes that allogeneic transfusion may be necessary; however, all effort should be expended at minimizing its need. Central to reducing or eliminating the need for allogeneic transfusion is the process called "blood salvage." This process involves collection of shed surgical blood, its washing and filtering, and its readministration. This process can take place in the intraoperative or postoperative period. This article describes the technology, how it works, and how to maximize the utility of the system.