Active clinical trials for "Blood Loss, Surgical"

Although, suction drainage is routinely used in orthopedic clinical practice, there are still no precise guidelines on its use in total joint arthroplasty, particularly in total as well as unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. In fact, drain use is likely associated to an increased risk of blood transfusion due to the lack of tamponade effect, as well as a higher infection rate. Furthermore, the drain itself could interfere with knee mobilization, delaying its functional recovery. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the real usefulness of suction drainage in perioperative bleeding control in the management of total as well as unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

Burn surgery is associated with significant reductions in hematocrit. However, it is unclear whether these reductions are the result of hemodilution from non-red cell containing intraoperative transfusions or from loss of red blood cells. The investigators will be using the Daxor Blood Volume Analyzer (BVA-100), an FDA approved instrument that can measure total blood volume, plasma volume, and RBC volume using the indicator dilution technique. By comparing pre-operative measurements of blood volume, plasma volume, and RBC volume to that of post-operative measurements after burn surgery, the investigators can determine the primary cause of the reduction in hematocrit associated with burn surgery. The investigators hypothesize that these reductions in hematocrit are primarily the result of hemodilution rather than blood loss and that there will be a statistically significant difference in measured plasma volume from the pre-operative group to the post-operative group.

A large number of patients are currently on Antiplatelet inhibition using aspirin or Plavix therapy (A Thieno pyridine - ADP mediated platelet inhibitor). A group of these patients often require Cardiac and/or Vascular surgical procedures. These patients are at a higher risk for perioperative bleeding complications and higher re-operation/re-exploration for bleeding and subsequent blood product transfusions. The aim of this protocol is to assess platelet function via the "Verify Now" device prior to surgery. The Verify Now device requires a small drop of fresh blood for each sample and is an FDA approved device. The investigators initial goal is to establish if a certain degree of platelet function abnormality can predict a higher bleeding complication or higher transfusions (Phase I, 20 patients). This initial study will allow us to determine a sample size for Phase II. Phase II will maintain the same protocol, however after completion of Phase I, a more accurate sample size determination can be made. Additionally, the investigators want to establish if knowledge of platelet dysfunction will change procedure technique or preparation to lower bleeding and/or lead to cancellation/rescheduling of procedure (Phase III). Participants will be those patients who are taking plavix and are undergoing vascular or cardiac surgery. They will undergo a platelet function evaluation measured as Platelet Response Unit (PRU) via the "verify now" device on admission/pre surgery. This test involves taking 1 drop of blood from the patient, one time, before the procedure. The Verify Now device is FDA approved. Perioperative bleeding will be assessed by absolute drop in hematocrit immediate post-op compared to the immediate preoperative value. An additional discharge hematocrit will be used if no blood products have been used during the initial hospital stay. Hematocrit evaluation via a complete blood count is a part of standard patient care. Additionally, utilization of blood products (factors, PLT, PRBC's, etc.) will be assessed. In order to conduct the research, patients will be identified by reviewing the OR schedule. All consecutive patients on ASA/Plavix will be mailed a letter in order to introduce them to the study. The letter provides a phone number to call if the patient does NOT want to receive a phone call from the investigative staff. This letter is uploaded under item 18-02 of the study application. If patients do not call the office, then the investigative staff will call the potential participants to introduce the study. Final consent will be completed in PACU on arrival at the hospital for planned surgical procedure. A Hematocrit will be performed on the consented patient preoperatively, immediately post-op, and at discharge. A PRU will be assessed using a few drops of the patients' blood preoperatively (PACU). Patients' records will be reviewed to assess use of blood products. No additional follow up is required. Patients' care will be no different than current standard of care, other than the 1 "verify now" test, which is done before the procedure.