Hemosep for cell salvage

The technology described in this briefing is Hemosep. It is used for cell salvage and haemoconcentration during surgery.

The innovative aspects are that it can remove plasma from the blood using a membrane-controlled super-absorber instead of centrifugation. This leaves concentrated blood that contains red and white cells, platelets and clotting residuals. The filtered plasma is held as a gel matrix which is designed to make disposal safer and easier.

The intended place in therapy would be as an alternative to standard cell salvage and allogenic blood transfusions in people having cardiac or trauma surgery.

The main points from the evidence summarised in this briefing are from 3 studies: 2 UK-based and 1 non-UK-based randomised controlled trials including 209 adults in a tertiary care setting. The results are mixed; 1 study shows comparable outcomes between Hemosep and standard care (cell salvage), whereas in the other 2 Hemosep led to better outcomes than standard care.

Key uncertainties are that there is little evidence on Hemosep, and the available studies are statistically underpowered.

The cost of Hemosep is £3,875 per unit (exclusive of VAT), plus £248 in consumables per use and an additional £500 per year in maintenance costs. The resource impact of using Hemosep would be to add costs compared with standard care, but these could be offset if Hemosep reduced the need for allogenic blood transfusions.