On Interval Exchange Transfusions
CHESTER M. TROSSMAN · American journal of diseases of children · 1961
Introduction This paper is concerned with the effect of dead space on interval exchange transfusions. By tubing dead space, we refer to the volume in the connecting the exchange transfusion syringe to the patient's blood circulation. The latter aspect was not discussed in a previous paper by 2 of us 1 and it is desirable to emphasize the necessity of improving the efficiency of a given transfusion by decreasing dead space to a minimum. Moreover, since publication of the reference cited, 1 a question has been raised as to the effect of dead space 2 ; this paper seeks to provide a definitive evaluation of the effect of dead space. A simple example, based on a frequently encountered situation among those requiring exchange transfusions, serves to illustrate the importance of minimizing dead space. Figures 1 and 2 graphically demonstrate the increase in the number of unit exchanges