Evaluation of a new blood autotransfusion device.

A new autotransfusion device was evaluated in dogs. The device uses citrate phosphate dextrose as the blood anticoagulant and automatically delivers the agent in a ratio approximating that found in banked blood. Bleeding, aspiration, and autotransfusion of approximately 3 estimated blood volumes produced small changes in hematologic and coagulation studies. Blood electrolytes stayed within normal ranges. Activated clotting times stayed within normal range after autotransfusion of 2 blood volumes but increased slightly after 3 blood volume transfusions. No significant histopathologic changes were found in any organ system. Rapid infusion of citrated blood causes myocardial depression, which can be reversed by giving calcium. Overall performance of the device was excellent, suggesting further documentation in a clinical setting and evaluation with human blood.