Returning leftover pump blood into the artery after cardiopulmonary bypass

The Effect of Antegrade Pump Blood Reinfusion Via Crystalloid "Chase" Technique on Postoperative Transfusion Requirements in Adult Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Prospective Observational Study

Observational Kocaeli City Hospital · NCT07420582

This trial will try giving the blood left in the heart–lung machine back into adults having on‑pump coronary artery bypass grafting to see if it reduces the need for donated blood transfusions.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment130 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorKocaeli City Hospital Government
Locations1 site (Kocaeli, Izmit)
Trial IDNCT07420582 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective observational comparison of adult patients having elective, isolated on‑pump coronary artery bypass grafting who either receive antegrade reinfusion of residual cardiopulmonary bypass circuit blood using a crystalloid "chase" or are managed without reinfusion. Investigators do not randomize or intervene; they record which approach was used as part of routine care and follow patients for postoperative transfusion requirements. The primary outcome is whether patients require postoperative donor blood transfusion. The study is conducted at a single center (Kocaeli City Hospital) and enrolls adults aged 18–80 meeting the listed inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18–80 undergoing elective, isolated on‑pump coronary artery bypass grafting with acceptable preoperative hematocrit, platelet count, coagulation status, and left ventricular function.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing emergency or redo surgery, combined procedures, off‑pump CABG, or those with low hematocrit, bleeding disorders, significant thrombocytopenia, or unresolved anticoagulation are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, reinfusing the circuit blood could reduce exposure to donor blood and lower transfusion rates and their associated risks.

How similar studies have performed: Previous small observational studies and clinical reports have suggested that reinfusing pump blood can lower transfusion needs, but results vary and the technique is not uniformly standardized.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 to 80 years
* Patients undergoing elective, isolated coronary artery bypass grafting surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (on-pump).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Emergency or Redo cardiac surgery
* Concomitant cardiac procedures (e.g., valve repair/replacement or aortic surgery).
* Planned or intraoperative conversion to off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting
* Preoperative hematocrit \<30% or known inherited/acquired bleeding disorders.
* Preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction \<30%.
* Thrombocytopenia (e.g., platelet count \<100×10³/µL) or abnormal coagulation tests.
* Use of antiplatelet agents other than aspirin without appropriate discontinuation according to current guideline-recommended preoperative intervals.
* Use of anticoagulant therapy without appropriate preoperative discontinuation according to current guideline recommendations.
* Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) without appropriate discontinuation prior to surgery.
* Severe renal dysfunction (eGFR \<30 mL/min/1.73 m² or dialysis) and/or severe hepatic dysfunction (Child-Pugh B-C or coagulopathy).
* Active infection or systemic inflammatory/autoimmune disease.
* Active malignancy requiring ongoing treatment
* Refusal or inability to provide written informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Kocaeli, Izmit

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Coronary Artery Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.