Transfusion strategy refers to the management of blood products, such as red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, during and after heart surgery. The goal of transfusion strategy is to minimize blood loss and transfusion-related complications while ensuring adequate oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues.

There are different transfusion strategies that can be used during heart surgery, depending on the patient’s condition and the type of surgery being performed. Some common strategies include:

1. Normovolemic hemodilution: This involves removing a small amount of blood from the patient before surgery, which is then stored and returned to the patient after surgery. This helps to reduce the amount of blood lost during surgery and the need for transfusions.

2. Minimal blood loss: This strategy aims to minimize blood loss during surgery by using techniques such as cell savers, which capture and recycle the patient’s own blood, and topical hemostatic agents, which help to control bleeding.

3. Restrictive transfusion strategy: This strategy involves only giving blood transfusions to patients who have a low hemoglobin level and are experiencing symptoms of anemia, such as shortness of breath. The goal is to avoid the potential complications associated with blood transfusions, such as infection and reaction to blood products.

4. Liberal transfusion strategy: This strategy involves giving blood transfusions to patients with hemoglobin levels below a certain threshold, regardless of symptoms. This approach may be used in high-risk patients or in situations where blood loss is expected to be significant.

It’s important to note that transfusion strategy should be tailored to the individual patient and the specific circumstances of their surgery. The decision on which strategy to use should be made by the patient’s healthcare team in consultation with the patient.