Effect of using autotransfusion system on cost in open-heart surgery

Abstract

Aim: The high cost of autotransfusion systems can limit its usage. In our study, we aimed to compare the cost of open-heart surgery cases with and without the use of an autotransfusion system in our hospital.Material and Method: Of the isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) cases performed, 22 cases (Group 1), in which the autotransfusion system was used and 22 cases (Group 2), in which the autotransfusion system was not used, were retrospectively determined. In particular, the use of blood and blood prod-ucts that will affect costs, the amount of drainage for the first 24 hours, mechanical ventilator, intensive care-hospitalization periods, preoperative hematocrit and postoperative hemotocrit values and demographic data were obtained. Costs between groups were calculated and compared taking into consideration the current prices.Results: In Group 1, the use of erythrocyte suspension (median: 2.0 - 3.0; p = 0.003) and intensive care periods (mean: 1.77 - 2.55; p = 0.046) were found to be significantly lower than Group 2. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of other variables. When calculating, it was determined that in Group 1, the cost for each case was more than 1050 TL.Discussion: The autotransfusion system is expensive and can provide a reduction in total cost with the benefits it provides. However, it is seen that this does not reduce the total cost enough to save its own costs when considering the current expenses. Compared to the short-and long-term benefits they provide, meeting this cost seems to be tolerable with case selection.