Autotransfusion device helps conserve blood during surgery

According to a statement, HemoSep is set to change the healthcare sector after gaining the CE mark and receiving Canadian national approval, following successful clinical trials in the University of Kirikkale University Hospital in Ankara, Turkey.

The device is designed to recover blood spilled during open-heart and major trauma surgery and to concentrate the blood cells for transfusion back to the patient. This process, known as autotransfusion, reduces the volume of donor blood required and the problems associated with transfusion reaction.

Prof Terry Gourlay, who led the development of the technology at Strathclyde University’s Department of Biomedical Engineering, said: ‘This is a fantastic example of real collaboration between Strathclyde University and the medical-device industry to take this device from concept to clinical delivery.

‘The technology has distinct advantages over traditional techniques, which are not only costly but technically challenging and involve the use of a complex centrifuge and pumping apparatus by specialist technicians.