Cell saver technology successfully used in emergency surgery at GPHC

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), through its Vascular Surgery Division in collaboration with the National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS), has successfully used Cell Saver technology for the first time during an emergency surgical procedure. According to GPHC, the Cell Saver system was utilised on Friday last during the emergency repair of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in an 85-year-old woman. A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm is a life-threatening condition that can result in severe internal bleeding, often requiring urgent blood transfusions and complex surgical intervention. The Cell Saver system is designed to collect blood lost during surgery, process and clean it, and safely return it to the patient. This allows patients to receive their own blood during critical procedures, reducing reliance on donor blood while supporting resuscitation and recovery.

During the six-hour operation, the patient lost approximately four litres of blood. The Cell Saver system successfully returned more than 500 millilitres of her own blood, with a hematocrit of 82 per cent, helping to support her recovery during a critical stage of the procedure. GPHC described the procedure as a milestone in surgical innovation but noted that the achievement was made possible through the coordinated efforts of the vascular surgery, anaesthesia, nursing, laboratory and support teams involved in the operation. The hospital also acknowledged the contribution of the NBTS team, particularly Medical Director Dr Pedro Lewis, Blood Bank Quality Manager Kevon Spencer, and Blood Bank Recruitment Officer Radha Ramdhari, whose support and expertise were provided throughout the surgery.
GPHC said the successful use of the Cell Saver system shows its commitment to introducing modern medical technologies, strengthening emergency surgical services, and improving access to advanced healthcare for patients in Guyana.