Hematocrit on Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Outcome After Coronary Surgery in Nontransfused Patients

Excessive hemodilution during cardiopulmonary bypass is a risk factor for major morbidity even in the absence of blood transfusions. Techniques that aim to reduce the fall in hematocrit during cardiopulmonary bypass, including blood cardioplegia, may be useful, especially in patients with a low preoperative hematocrit.