4.2 Acute Normovolemic Haemodilution (ANH)
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    Acute Normovolemic Haemodilution (ANH) involves removing some of a patient's own blood and replacing it with fluids, maintaining normal volume

    The maintenance of blood volume is important in order for the heart to work effectively and for oxygen to be delivered to the cells
    This process ensures that the blood that is lost during an operation is diluted, having fewer red blood cells in it
    The blood is therefore thinner, reducing the load on the heart and allowing blood to flow more easily through the capillaries
    The patient's own blood, returned after the operation, is fresh, containing all its platelets and clotting factors


    It's True! It has been reported that haemoglobin levels can safely go down to 1 to 3 g/dl in major heart, cancer and spinal surgery, using this method of haemodilution. Every patient has a different limit, determined by pre-operative planning. Haemodilution is just one part of an overall bloodless surgery plan.

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    To pass the test on 4.2, Acute Normovolemic Haemodilution (ANH), make sure you know the 2 main stages of ANH and can list the benefits to a patient.


    Net Links
    Acute normovolemic haemodilution for management of 4200 ml blood loss during radical prostatectomy
    Cardiovascular response to acute normovolaemic haemodilution in patients with severe aortic stenosis: assessment with transoesophageal echocardiography
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