Name
#64 Autotransfusion Without External Power Supply – Initial Animal Study Results on the Applicability of a Microfiltration-Based System
Speakers
Content Presented On Behalf Of:
International Delegates
Session Type
Poster
Date
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Start Time
5:00 PM
End Time
7:00 PM
Location
Prince Georges Expo Hall E
Focus Areas/Topics
Clinical Care
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, the participant will be able to…
1. Describe the operational principles and workflow of a microfiltration-based, power-free autotransfusion system (HemoClear®) and distinguish it from conventional centrifugation-based systems.
2. Summarize the experimental setup and main findings of an in-vitro porcine blood model, including red blood cell and platelet recovery under varying dilution conditions.
3. Interpret laboratory data regarding cell recovery, plasma clearance, and electrolyte changes, and discuss their relevance for transfusion quality and hemostatic safety.
4. Evaluate the potential advantages and limitations of a power-independent autotransfusion approach in resource-limited or military operational environments.
5. Identify key research and clinical evaluation needs required to validate the system’s safety, efficacy, and impact on coagulation before field implementation.
1. Describe the operational principles and workflow of a microfiltration-based, power-free autotransfusion system (HemoClear®) and distinguish it from conventional centrifugation-based systems.
2. Summarize the experimental setup and main findings of an in-vitro porcine blood model, including red blood cell and platelet recovery under varying dilution conditions.
3. Interpret laboratory data regarding cell recovery, plasma clearance, and electrolyte changes, and discuss their relevance for transfusion quality and hemostatic safety.
4. Evaluate the potential advantages and limitations of a power-independent autotransfusion approach in resource-limited or military operational environments.
5. Identify key research and clinical evaluation needs required to validate the system’s safety, efficacy, and impact on coagulation before field implementation.
Session Currently Live
Description
Introduction:
Blood products are an indispensable yet limited resource. In large-scale crises or combat scenarios, logistical constraints and finite storage capacities can lead to shortages. Machine autotransfusion (MAT) is an established method to reduce allogeneic transfusion needs; however, its use in military medicine is often restricted by system weight, volume, and the need for external power. The HemoClear® device provides a portable, power-free, microfiltration-based alternative. This study aimed to experimentally assess its feasibility and performance under varying dilution conditions.
Methods:
In a laboratory-based animal model following the 3R principles, whole blood from five freshly deceased porcine cadavers was processed at four dilution levels using balanced electrolyte solution (VEL): 500 ml whole blood; 400 ml + 100 ml VEL; 350 ml + 150 ml VEL; and 300 ml + 200 ml VEL. Samples were processed using the HemoClear® system. Pre- and post-filtration analyses included hematocrit, hemoglobin, electrolytes, plasma proteins, glucose, and LDH.
Results:
Transfusion-grade blood products were obtained at all dilution levels. Hematocrit remained relatively stable (from 23.8 % to 20.3 % in undiluted blood; from 13.8 % to 11.7 % at maximum dilution). Electrolytes such as potassium and calcium decreased significantly, while plasma proteins were almost completely removed.
Conclusion:
The HemoClear® system enables the recovery of red blood cells and platelets, as well as partial retrieval of plasma components from autologous blood. However, a meaningful concentration of these components does not occur. While the system may offer significant advantages for patient care in resource-limited or military settings due to its independence from external power, further clinical studies are essential to evaluate its impact on coagulation and overall hemostatic function under real-world operational conditions.