Autologous Transfusion In Surgery: a randomised clinical trial

INTERVENTION: 1. Autologous transfusion: acute normovolaemic haemodilution and intragerative cell salvage 2. Homologous transfusion: homologous blood if required CONDITION: Cardiovascular diseases: Peripheral arterial disease ; Circulatory System ; Peripheral arterial disease PRIMARY OUTCOME: Blood transfusion requirements, haematological and haemostatic parameter, post‐operative infection, morbidity and hospital stay, economic analysis SECONDARY OUTCOME: Not provided at time of registration INCLUSION CRITERIA: All patients undergoing elective surgery for either occlusive or aneurysmal arterial disease will be asked to give written informed consent: 1. Both men and women aged 30‐85 2. Considered fit for aortic surgery without any of the exclusion criteria 3. Pre‐operative haemoglobin >11 g/dl and platelet count >150 x 10^9/1 4. Adequate cardiac and pulmonary function clinically