Transfusion-Free Medicine & Surgery

Also known as Bloodless Medicine, trust PIH Health to respect your choice to avoid blood transfusions. Ask us for help selecting doctors who’ll work with you to create a care plan you’re comfortable with.

Transfusion-Free Medical Care

Get high-quality healthcare without receiving donated blood or blood products. PIH Health offers a wide range transfusion-free services, including:

• Blood diseases
• Cancer Treatment
• Critical care
• Gastroenterology
• Gynecology
• Heart and vascular care
  
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
• Internal medicine
• Medical second opinion program
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedic care
• Pregnancy and birth care
• Radiation therapy
• Rehabilitation
• Surgery
  
  • Retinal
  • Spine surgery including reconstructive spine surgery
  • Kyphoplasty
  • Cardiothoracic
  • Vascular
• Urology

Preparing for Bloodless Surgery

High-quality transfusion-free surgery begins with a comprehensive evaluation. To create an individualized plan to manage your bleeding, your doctor will:

• Ask about your medical history
• Physically examine you
• Conduct screening tests

Rely on your doctor to collaborate with other members of your surgical team to support a smooth, successful transfusion-free treatment.

Transfusion-Free Techniques

PIH Health doctors use a variety of approaches to keep you safe while avoiding a blood transfusion. Your care may include:

• Controlled hemodilution/ultrafiltration techniques to remove excess water
• Efficient, gentle methods of intraoperative blood salvage
• Erythropoietin (EPO), iron and other medications to stimulate red blood cell production before surgery
• Medicines or use of an Argon Beam Coagulator to accelerate blood clotting
• Minimally invasive interventions to reduce procedural blood loss
• Recirculation of blood
• Sutures and electrocautery to control bleeding
• Volume expanders or intravenous fluids to improve circulation

Benefits of Transfusion-Free Care

When you’re treated with transfusion-free techniques, you benefit from:

• Increased blood cell growth when using targeted medicine during cancer treatment
• Lower risk of infection
• Lower risk of exposure to viruses such as hepatitis and HIV
• Support for the natural immune system

Comprehensive Support for Patients & Families

Access a wide range of support and services including:

• Referrals to specialists in transfusion-free medicine
• Anemia management and treatment
• Making arrangements for people coming from out-of-town for care
• Insurance authorization assistance
• Education and support
• Evaluation before surgery to determine the most appropriate alternative to blood transfusion
• Care coordination following surgery
• Program coordinator and facilitator