Abstract: A method and system for closed-loop, automated, closed, autotransfusion having a computer in electronic communication with a bedside monitor, an infusion pump, wherein the infusion pump is controlled by the computer, a blood collection canister for receiving shed mediastinal blood from a patient, means for filtering the blood, means for transferring the blood from the canister to the infusion pump and then into the patient, means for automatically taking a set of time-spaced measurements of a hemodynamic variable of the patient wherein the hemodynamic variable is coded into a multiplicity of digitally coded signals that are transmitted to the computer, and programming means for analysis of the digitally coded signals to determine the rate of the infusion pump, wherein the blood is infused at a high rate intermittently.