Using cold stored whole blood for patients in cardiothoracic surgery

Cold Stored Whole Blood in Treatment of Bleeding in Patients Undergoing Cardiothoracic Surgery

Not applicable Interventional Haukeland University Hospital · NCT04988620

This study is testing whether using whole blood stored for different lengths of time can improve recovery for patients having complex heart surgeries.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHaukeland University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bergen)
Trial IDNCT04988620 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot randomized clinical trial investigates the effects of storage time on whole blood transfusions in patients undergoing complex cardiothoracic surgery. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving whole blood stored for 15-21 days and the other receiving blood stored for less than 7 days. The study aims to assess the impact of storage duration on platelet function and post-transfusion recovery, providing insights for future larger trials. The goal is to enhance the safety and effectiveness of blood transfusions in surgical settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients undergoing complex cardiothoracic, cardiac, or aortic surgeries with expected cardiopulmonary bypass times over 120 minutes.

Not a fit: Patients with congenital coagulopathies, known antibodies, or those at increased surgical risk may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve transfusion practices and patient outcomes in cardiothoracic surgery by optimizing blood storage protocols.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is exploratory, similar studies have indicated the importance of storage time on blood transfusion efficacy, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients undergoing cardiothoracic, cardiac, or aortic surgery
2. Patients with complex surgical procedures and expected cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time over 120 minutes
3. Patients capable of providing informed consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients not capable of providing informed consent to participate or who will not provide informed consent
2. Patients with known congenital coagulopathies or hemostatic disorders (von Willebrands Disease, hemophilia etc)
3. Patients with known erythrocyte- or platelet/HLA antibodies
4. Patients with a particular increased surgical risk with expected need of ECMO
5. Patients with preoperative EuroScore II ≥ 30

5. RhD negative patient

Where this trial is running

Bergen

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 Bleeding
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.