Spine surgery, characterized by its complexity and technical intricacy, often involves significant blood loss, which can lead to various perioperative complications. The degree of blood loss varies depending on the type of spinal surgery, ranging from minimally invasive procedures to extensive reconstructive surgeries. Significant blood loss during such surgeries not only increases the risk of hemodynamic instability but also extends recovery times and hospital stays. Recognizing and managing this potential complication is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing the incidence of related morbidities.

Mitigating blood loss during spine surgery
To mitigate blood loss during spine surgery, several strategies are employed. Preoperative optimization of the patient's hematologic profile, including correction of any pre-existing anemia, is a fundamental step. Intraoperatively, techniques such as controlled hypotension and local application of hemostatic agents can reduce bleeding. Additionally, technological advancements have introduced sophisticated equipment like electrocautery and ultrasonic scalpels that minimize tissue trauma and vascular injury. Beyond these methods, the utilization of cell salvage systems plays a pivotal role in managing and reinfusing the patient's own blood during surgery, providing an immediate resource for autotransfusion.

Cell Salvage and spine surgery
Cell salvage technology, often referred to as ‘cell savers,’ or ‘microfiltration blood filters’, have been integrated into spine surgery protocols to decrease dependency on allogeneic blood transfusions. These allogenic transfusions carry risks such as immunologic reactions—including allergic and febrile non-hemolytic reactions—and the potential transmission of infectious diseases. Cell salvage systems recover blood lost during surgery, wash it by removing impurities like free hemoglobin and surgical debris, and then reinfuse it back to the patient. This significantly lowers the need for blood from donors. The introduction of innovative microfiltration techniques in cell salvage systems enhances the utility of autologous blood by capturing not only red blood cells (RBCs) but also platelets. This improvement in the transfusion treatment is particularly beneficial in surgeries such as spine procedures, where both components play critical roles in recovery and healing.

Autologous transfusions with superior platelet preservation
In autologous blood transfusions, platelets are critical for clotting and wound healing, influencing clinical outcomes significantly. The HemoClear system, employing advanced microfiltration technology, is specifically engineered to preserve platelet integrity and functionality, maintaining about 70% of functional platelets without activation. This preservation is crucial for preventing complications like excessive bleeding or clot formation during surgery. This marks a substantial improvement over traditional cell salvage methods, where mechanical stress often compromises platelet quality, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness of autologous transfusions.

Advancing blood management in spinal surgery
HemoClear stands as a groundbreaking advancement in blood filtration technology. Distinguished by its capacity to separate and cleanse blood components with minimal mechanical stress, it surpasses traditional methods. This innovative and straightforward approach improves the quality of care and broadens the scope of advanced blood management strategies across diverse clinical environments globally.