Reinfusion Drains vs Tranexamic Acid in Total Joint Arthroplasty

Detailed Summary

It is widely reported that a large percentage of total joint replacement patients receive allogeneic (human donor blood) blood transfusions due to perioperative blood loss with numbers ranging from 30% to 80%. The risks of allogenic blood transfusion are well documented in the literature. In addition, they are time-consuming: often lengthening hospital stay and decreasing the availability for postoperative physical therapy. Moreover, they are costly at several hundred dollars per unit, and allogeneic transfusions are linked with immunosuppression and increased postoperative infection rates and wound healing problems, which are devastating complications in this elective, joint replacement population. Several options are available for diminishing the need for allogenic blood transfusion following elective total joint replacement. These include the use of perioperative blood salvage devices (OrthoPAT) and tranexamic acid. While there is data to support the use of both OrthoPat and Tranexamic acid in primary total joint arthroplasty, there is little information comparing one versus the other in terms of efficacy and economics. The purpose of this study is to compare the safety, effectiveness and cost benefit of Hemovac drain, OrthoPAT and Tranexamic Acid to manage blood loss during total hip and total knee replacement surgery.

Study Details

Timeline

Interventions