Novel Low-cost Intra-operative Autotransfusion Device

BACKGROUND In situations such as ruptured ectopic pregnancies or splenic injuries, the collection, filtration, and re-transfusion of intra-cavitary blood is a vital, life-saving technique, especially where banked blood is scarce. This process also saves time by eliminating the need for blood cross-matching and screening. Historically, intra-operative autotransfusion (IAT) involved a manual, labor-intensive 'soup-ladle' technique. Contemporary IAT devices, utilizing cell-washing technology, are prohibitively expensive for resource-limited settings. Existing disposable IAT devices have seen limited adoption in low-resource settings due to usability challenges or high costs. METHODS The authors present a novel IAT device and its flow characteristics study using banked blood. The device uses mechanical suction to initiate blood flow of intra-cavitary blood into a closed system of tubes, filter, and bags, followed by a gravitational siphon to sustain it. The device was designed to be lightweight, disposable, and to prevent the entrapment of displaced air in the blood bags. The surgeon, assisted by a floor nurse, can operate the device without the need for additional personnel. RESULTS The flow characteristics study showed that the device could collect 350.00 mL of blood into a 350.00 mL bag in 90.00 seconds. Including bag exchange time, the device collected 700.00 mL into two 350.00 mL bags within 3.50 minutes. Restarting flow after air entry-induced interruption during blood inlet tip transfer between pools required less than 20.00 seconds. The air entrapment in the blood bags was within 1.00 mL. The device could be assembled or disassembled within one minute. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the feasibility and efficiency of a novel, low-cost, disposable IAT device designed for rapid collection and filtration of intra-cavitary blood. Its ease of assembly, rapid flow characteristics, minimal air entrapment, and simple operational requirements make it a promising solution for resource-limited settings where access to banked blood is constrained.