Bloodless Medicine & Surgery
Established in 2001, our Bloodless Medicine & Surgery program is a leading blood management program in the United States. We make it possible for patients to be treated without receiving any major blood products that were stored or provided by donors. Our program uses a combination of diet, medications, tools and techniques to build the patient’s own blood supply, promote coagulation, and provide a procedure involving minimal or no blood loss. Whether for religious, ethical, medical or other reasons, thousands of people in North Florida choose our innovative methods for blood conservation and blood transfusion alternatives.
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The only program of its kind in Northeast Florida
Our staff of more than 300 physicians, surgeons and anesthesiologists has a high level of expertise in performing surgeries, childbirths and treatment of major injuries without the patient receiving blood products or transfusions.
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Using the least invasive methods
For a bloodless approach, the least invasive procedure may be the most appropriate. Baptist Health offers a range of minimally invasive technologies for procedures throughout the body.
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Personalized planning and care coordination
Our Bloodless Care Manager and staff personally assist patients to ensure their needs are understood and met.
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Health Advantages
Choosing Bloodless Medicine & Surgery may help patients avoid potential blood reactions, contaminants, and transfusion-associated complications; it may result in faster healing and reduced risk of infection, thereby making for a shorter hospital stay; and it can also help conserve the blood supply that may be more necessary for others.
Bloodless Medicine Procedures
Bloodless surgeries and procedures we offer include:
- Heart surgeries
- Cancer surgeries
- Obstetrics – deliveries
- Gynecological procedures
- Orthopedic surgeries
- Gall bladder surgery
- Traumatic injury repair
- Urological surgeries
Tools and Technologies
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Harmonic scalpel
Ultrasonic energy simultaneously cuts tissue and coagulates vessels
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Laser
Uses energy from light is used to cut through tissues
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Argon beam coagulator
Uses electrical current or light to stop bleeding
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"Cell saver" and hemodilution
Salvages, filters and recirculates a patient's own blood
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Volume expanders
Uses intravenous fluids to enhance circulation of a patient's own blood
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Transcutaneous oxygen monitoring and pulse oximetry
Noninvasive tracking of oxygen levels
Preparation
Prior to surgery, patients must strictly adhere to diet and medication recommendations that will increase the amount of iron in the blood. Patients are encouraged to eat iron-rich foods such as raisins, oatmeal and lentils, and take supplements, such as vitamin C, to increase iron absorption. Patients may also be prescribed medications that help minimize blood loss and maximize oxygen in the bloodstream. These could include:
- Aminocaproic acid
- Desmopressin
- Oxygen carriers and hemoglobin substitutes
- Vasopressin
- Synthetic erythropoietin (EPO)
- Vitamin K or other hemostatic agents to promote coagulation