Case report

Extracorporeal Circulation with Venous Pump Return in a Patient with Sickle Cell Trait and Beta-Thalassemia Minor

St. Vincent Charity Hospital and Health Center, Cleveland, Ohio

^* Request for reprints to be directed to: Philip M. Rullo, Chief Perfusionist, Department of Perfusion, St. Vincent Charity Hospital and Health Center, 2351 East 22nd Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44115.

Received: May 1981
Revised: March 1982
Accepted: May 1982

Abstract

The venous pump return has proven to be a safe and simple method for partial exchange transfusions in the patient with sickle cell disease. A partial exchange during the bypass procedure has eliminated the necessity of blood withdrawal and collection prior to surgery. The incorporation of an isolated cardiotomy reservoir as a holding chamber prevented the patient’s blood and the blood in the extracorporeal circuit from premixing.