Reductions in blood loss with a bipolar sealer in total hip arthroplasty

Abstract

Altogether, 50 primary total hip arthroplasties were performed in a prospective, blinded, randomized study comparing a bipolar sealer device to standard electrocautery for hemostasis. Cohorts were evaluated for intra- and postoperative blood loss, transfusion rate, hemoglobin levels and modified Harris hip scores. Variables such as age, gender and body mass index were correlated to transfusion requirements. Total blood loss in the bipolar sealer group was decreased by 40% and transfusions were reduced by 73%. There was a significant reduction in the intra- and postoperative blood loss, p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively. There was no difference in clinical hip scores between groups. The bipolar sealer was an effective coagulation alternative for total hip arthroplasties, reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements without affecting outcome. It appears to reduce tissue damage and smoke production in comparison with standard electrocautery. These results were found even in patients with demographic characteristics associated with a higher risk of blood-related complications.

Keywords::

• bipolar sealer device
• blood loss
• hemostasis
• total hip arthroplasty
• transfusion

Acknowledgement

The authors wish to thank Scott Johnson, Bobbie Thompson, Donald Earls and Brad Miller from TissueLinkÔ Medical Inc, for their assistance with the statistical analysis and the research protocol guidelines.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Michael A Mont has received institutional funding from TissueLink Medical Inc, Dover, NH. This study was supported by a grant from TissueLink Medical Inc. NH, USA. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Ethical disclosure

Each author certifies that his or her institution has approved the human protocol for this investigation and that all investigations were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research.