Does retrograde autologous priming of the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit have an impact on haematocrit and blood transfusion in uncomplicated coronary artery bypass graft surgery? A retrospective analysis

Method We did a retrospective study on two groups of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery over a six month period. In the non RAP group (n = 124), the CPB circuit was primed with crystalloid standard prime. In the RAP group (n = 120), retrograde autologous priming was used to reduce crystalloid prime (620.77 ml ± 133.13 ml). Haematocrit levels, transfusion requirements and other clinical parameters were evaluated. Data collection from various databases in the hospital was done using Microsoft excel spreadsheet. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software for windows. Results Demographic data and operative parameters were equal for patients in both groups. The haematocrit levels pre CPB, lowest Hct on CPB and end of CPB were 37.9, 26.4, 27.43 in the RAP group compared to 41.35, 28.00, 28.36 in the Non RAP group. Blood transfusion requirements in the RAP group was 0.84 and 0.80 in the Non RAP group. There was no significant difference in length of stay, post op AF.