Efficacy, Safety, and Cost-Effectiveness of Cell Salvage in Cardiac Reoperations

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of cell salvage (CS) use in cardiac reoperations and to conduct a cost analysis considering the Turkish economy.

Methods: Between 2024 and 2025, a total of 45 patients who had undergone cardiac reoperations were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group A (n = 31, CS used) and group B (n = 14, CS not used). Intraoperative and postoperative blood usage, as well as all postoperative outcomes, were compared between the groups. Cost analysis was conducted by comparing the costs of blood products and CS.

Results: There were no differences between groups A and B in terms of baseline demographic characteristics, comorbidities, EuroSCORE II, NYHA stages, and operative data. The need for intraoperative and postoperative red blood cells (RBCs), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and apheresis platelet suspension (APS) was lower in group A, but there was no statistical difference. The amount of bleeding and all postoperative outcomes were similar between the groups. Although intraoperative and postoperative RBCs, FFP, and APS costs were lower in group A than in group B, there was no statistical difference. However, when CS cost was added, the total blood product cost and CS cost were significantly higher in group A than in group B (mean $448 - $240, P < .001, respectively).

Conclusion: It was found that the routine use of CS in cardiac reoperations is not cost-effective in Türkiye, but it is safe.

Cite this article as: Beyazal OF, Kayalar N, Yanartaş M. Efficacy, safety, and costeffectiveness of cell salvage in cardiac reoperations. Eurasian J Med. 2026, 58(4), 1304, doi: 10.5152/eurasianjmed.2026.251304.