Transfusion-Free Medicine & Surgery

Also known as Bloodless Medicine, trust PIH Health to respect your choice to avoid blood and blood product transfusions. Ask us for help selecting doctors who will 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:

• Treatment for blood diseases
• Cancer Treatment
• Critical care
• Gastroenterology
• Gynecology
• Heart and vascular minimally invasive therapies
  
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
• Internal medicine
• Interventional Radiology
• Medical Surgical second opinion programs
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedic care
• Pregnancy and birth care
• Radiation therapy
• Rehabilitation
• Surgery
  
  • Retinal
  • Spine surgery including reconstructive spine surgery and kyphoplasty
  • 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
• Performa a physical examination 
• Conduct screening tests

Rely on your doctor to collaborate with other members of your medical and surgical team to ensure 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
• Transfusion-free program approved 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
• Assistance with travel 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
• Access to a Transfusion-free program coordinator and facilitator