11.09.07 Choice of fluid

Autologous blood

• • Great if you can get it

  • Blood lost during surgery can be re-infused

    • From bypass machine

    • Using cell-saver suction device

Allogenic blood

• • Risk of undetected infections

  • Cost

  • Immune reaction

Human albumin

• • Expensive

  • May avoid hypoalbinaemia and thus improve outcome

Hydroxyethyl starch

• • Potential effects on blood clotting

Gelatins

• • Smaller molecular weight, so not as effective at expanding vascular volume

Saline

• • Hyperchloraemia may cause acidosis

Hartmann's solution

• • Mildly hypotonic, so may exacerbate oedema