[Autotransfusion with leap-frog technique in patients with coronary heart disease and planned aortocoronary venous bypass].

OBJECTIVE

The goal of the study is to test and control the quality of a special leap-frog technique which enables saving heterologous blood.

DESIGN

In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study homologous blood was taken in 40 out of 100 patients with coronary heart disease before aortocoronary bypass operation. The leap-frog technique was used. Within 8 weeks 3-4 erythrocyte concentrates and 0.9-1.2 liters plasma were sampled. The volume (verum: HES 200/0.5 10%; placebo: 0.9% NaCl solution) substituted corresponding to the volume of blood donated. Each patient received 200 mg Fe2+/day p.o.

RESULTS

Clinically, only patients treated with HES in stage of autologous blood sampling benefited significantly. Two patients showed adverse effects. The peri- and postoperative course was comparable. In the NaCl group one of the patients received homologous erythrocyte concentrates. None of the patients died pre-, peri- or post-operatively.

CONCLUSIONS

40% of the cardiosurgical patients could be considered for autologous blood donation. Isovolemic hemodilution with HES 200/0.5 10% was a suitable and safe measure in preoperative blood sampling. Physical exercise should be performed before and after autologous blood donation. A reduced exercise tolerance suggests that autologous blood donation should be stopped.