The C.A.T.S (Continuous Autotransfusion System) device by Fresenius is an autotransfusion device indicated for the processing of autologous shed blood collected intraoperatively and postoperatively to obtain washed packed red blood cells for reinfusion.
An assembly of devices designed to collect and process blood lost by a patient to obtain red blood cells for subsequent reinfusion into the same patient (i.e., autotransfusion). It typically includes a disposable suction system to collect blood from the surgical field, a reservoir to store the blood, a spinning processing chamber (e.g., a centrifuge) to separate waste (e.g., clotting factors, debris) and wash the red blood cells with saline, particulate microfilters, and a reinfusion bag that stores the red blood cells in saline. The system is used mainly during surgical procedures to minimize allogeneic blood use, but may be used postoperatively and in emergency or intensive care units.