The hematologic effects of cardiopulmonary bypass and the use of hemotherapy in coronary artery bypass grafting.

Blood component therapy has always been important in coronary artery bypass grafting, and, initially, all patients undergoing bypass operations were given transfusions. The advent of hemodilution marked the beginning of blood conservation efforts that have reduced the transfusion requirements for these patients. We review the current state of cardiopulmonary bypass, blood loss, and blood use in coronary artery bypass grafting, including coagulation disturbances, preoperative autologous blood collection, blood conservation techniques, transfusion thresholds, blood component therapy, and blood use data.