Using patients' own blood to reduce transfusions in heart surgery

Autologous Whole Blood Management for Reduction of Blood Product Transfusion in Adult Cardiac Surgery Patients: a Local Feasibility/Pilot Study

Not applicable Interventional University of Alberta · NCT05889494

This study is testing if using patients' own blood during heart surgery can help them recover better and need less donated blood.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment64 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alberta Academic / other
Locations1 site (Edmonton, Alberta)
Trial IDNCT05889494 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot trial aims to evaluate a protocol for a larger clinical trial that investigates the effectiveness of using autologous whole blood in adult cardiac surgery patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive their own blood or donated blood products during surgery. The study will assess the practicality and efficiency of this approach, focusing on outcomes such as bleeding, the volume of donated blood products used, and postoperative complications. The goal is to determine if using a patient's own blood can lead to better health outcomes and reduced reliance on donated blood.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults undergoing cardiac surgery at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute who are at high risk for acquired coagulopathy.

Not a fit: Patients with severe pre-existing conditions such as significant renal impairment, severe anemia, or those undergoing emergency surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the need for donated blood products and associated complications in cardiac surgery patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited large-scale evidence on this specific approach, similar blood conservation methods have shown promise in reducing transfusion-related complications.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult (≥18 yr)
* Surgical patients at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute
* High risk for acquired coagulopathy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Left ventricular ejection fraction \<20%
* Impaired renal function
* Preoperative anemia (hematocrit \< 30%)
* Abnormal coagulation studies or platelet function
* Presence of hemoglobinopathy
* Platelet count \< 120 10\*9/L
* Non-heparin based CPB anticoagulation
* Presence of carotid stenosis (≥70%)
* Presence of bacteremia/endocarditis
* Age \> 85 yr
* Weight \< 55 kg
* Hepatic failure/dysfunction
* Pregnancy
* Chronic lung disease on home O2
* Acute respiratory failure
* Acute coronary syndromes
* Emergency surgery

Where this trial is running

Edmonton, Alberta

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 Postoperative HemorrhagePostoperative AnemiaPostoperative Blood LossCardiac surgeryPostoperative coagulopathyAutologous whole blood transfusionAcute normovolemic hemodilutionIntraoperative autologous transfusion
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.