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Int J Angiol 2017; 26(03): 135-142
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1604417
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

The Effect of Blood Transfusion on Outcomes in Aortic Surgery

Camilo A. Velasquez
1   Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
,
Mrinal Singh
1   Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
,
Syed Usman Bin Mahmood
1   Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
,
Adam J. Brownstein
1   Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
,
Mohammad A. Zafar
1   Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
,
Ayman Saeyeldin
1   Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
,
Bulat A. Ziganshin
1   Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
2   Department of Surgical Diseases #2, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Russia
,
John A. Elefteriades
1   Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
27 July 2017 (online)

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Abstract

The use of blood transfusion in cardiac surgery varies widely. The beneficial effects of blood products are offset by an increase in morbidity and mortality. Despite multiple studies showing an association between blood product exposure and adverse short- and long-term events, it is difficult to determine causality. Nevertheless, the implication is sufficient to warrant the search for alternative strategies to reduce the use of blood products while providing a standard of care that optimizes postoperative outcomes. Aortic surgery, in particular, is associated with an increased risk of bleeding requiring a blood transfusion. There is a paucity of evidence within aortic surgery regarding the deleterious effects of blood products. Here, we review the current evidence regarding patient outcomes after blood transfusion in cardiac surgery, with special emphasis on aortic surgery.

Keywords

cardiac surgical procedures - thoracic surgery - thoracic aorta - blood transfusion - morbidity - mortality - thoracic aortic aneurysm - dissection
 

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