While blood conservation in medical and surgical care is primarily requested for reasons of faith, they offer additional advantages that are attracting growing numbers of other patients and many healthcare practitioners as well. Transfusion-free medicine can help:
• Lower the risk of exposure to viruses such as hepatitis and HIV
• Keep a patient's natural immune system strong
• Improve outcomes and patient satisfaction
• Conserve the nation's blood supply
Clinical Benefits and Higher Patient Satisfaction
Several recent studies indicate that transfusion-free surgery can lead to improved outcomes and higher satisfaction for many patients. One study found that patients receiving cardiovascular surgery without blood transfusion had comparable or fewer hospitalization days, lower rates of infection, greater patient satisfaction, and mortality rates equivalent to those who received blood. Another study of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting found that five-year mortality was more than twice as high in those who received perioperative blood transfusions than in those who did not.
St. Vincent Medical Center: Expertise and Commitment
At St. Vincent Medical Center, patients benefit from physicians and staff who are accomplished leaders in transfusion-free medicine. We are committed to providing the highest quality care to all patients who wish to avoid the use of blood transfusions. We stay up-to-date on all technical and protocol advancements that can improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. Transfusion-Free Services works with all other departments of the hospital to coordinate appropriate patient care. From assessment to treatment and recovery, patients can be confident that their wishes for a transfusion-free experience will be respected.
Latest Surgical Techniques and Technology
At St. Vincent Medical Center, we use the latest advancements in medical and surgical techniques and technology to provide alternatives to transfusion. Physicians supported by our Transfusion-Free Services minimize blood loss by:
• Appropriate use of laser and laparoscopic techniques
• Stimulating bone marrow to produce red blood cells in advance of a procedure
• Enhancing circulation of the patient's own blood during surgery through volume expanders or intravenous fluids
• Tracking oxygen levels during surgery with skin monitors
• Using cellsavers during surgery to recirculate and readminister the patient's own blood
• Speeding blood clotting during surgery with an argon beam coagulator
• Utilizing intraoperative hypotension anesthesia to lower blood pressure during surgery and minimize bleeding
• Using medical therapy to boost blood cell growth during cancer treatment and avoid the need for transfusion
Supporting Patients and Physicians
St. Vincent Transfusion-Free Services offer a comprehensive approach to transfusion-free medicine. Our services provide support for patients and physicians, including:
• Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation of surgical patients to determine the most appropriate alternatives to blood transfusions
• Guidance on preparing patients for surgery
• Anemia management and correction
• Referrals to specialists skilled in the practice of transfusion-free medicine
• Patient and physician education
• Coordination of post-operative care, including daily rounding
• Up-to-date information on transfusion-free research
• Coordination of insurance authorization
• Making arrangements to support out-of-town patients and their families
Dedicated to Patient Satisfaction
The staff of Transfusion Free Services at St. Vincent Medical Center works with all areas and departments of the hospital to meet the needs of patients and physicians. We understand the religious, cultural and clinical aspects of transfusion-free medicine and are dedicated to patient and physician satisfaction.
For information on Transfusion-Free Services at St. Vincent Medical Center,
call Randy Henderson at (213) 484-7060.