Blood Conservation Program
Methods and Treatment
Donating your own blood ahead of time to get back after your surgery is called autologous blood donation. Scientists have now found that this method is not as effective as once thought.
Stored blood, even your own blood,
looses it’s ability
to carry oxygen to your body each day it stays in the blood
bank. Blood conservation methods, have proven to be more
effecive.
Patient Safety is Our Goal
BMH’s Blood Conservation Program complements our progressive
approach to providing less invasive surgical and medical
services. The ultimate goal is high quality patient care
and safer outcomes.
There are many methods used in Blood Conservation. Depending on your surgery or medical condition some of these techniques may or may not be right for you. We encourage you to ask your doctor about blood conservation. We want you to be at your best and ready for your surgery.
Before Your Surgery
These treatments are done weeks before your surgery. Talk with your doctor
and ask if you qualify for any of these treatments.
- Synthetic Erythropoietin—This
is a medicine prescribed by your doctor to help your
body
make more of your own red blood cells. You become your own blood bank. If you qualify,
your doctor can prescribe injections once a week 3 – 4 weeks before your scheduled surgery.
This treatment will be given to you at our Infusion Center. - Iron and Supplements—Iron supplements
can be used to boost your system before your
elective surgery. Your doctor may prescribe iron tablets, or IV Iron. IV Iron will be given to
you at our Infusion Center. Other supplements may include Vitamin C, Folic Acid or an
injection of Vitamin B-12. Please discuss these treatments with your doctor in advance.
During Your Surgery
These treatments may be done during your surgery. Talk with your surgeon and
ask if these blood saving treatments are right for you.
- Cell Saver—A
system that collects and filters your own blood lost during
surgery. Then
returns your own filtered blood back to you after your surgery. Your blood does not go to
the blood bank for storage and remains in a closed system. - Platelet Rich Plasma—A substance made from
your own blood during surgery and applied
to your surgical site. This helps to lessen blood loss during surgery and helps your bones and
tissue heal faster. - Surgical Devices—Special
scalpels and other instruments your surgeon may use to
lessen
blood loss during surgery. - ANH (Acute Normovolemic Hemodilution)—On
the day of your surgery one to three units
of your blood are taken from you and replaced with IV fluids. Your blood is then given back
to you during or after your surgery to replace any blood lost during the operation. Your
blood does not go to the Blood Bank for storage.
Learn
about the heart's continuous pumping cycle.