Overview
In Bloodless medicine, medical care is provided without using any donor blood.
Methodist Hospitals was the first hospital in Northwest Indiana and is one of approximately 100 hospitals in the country to have a Bloodless medicine program. Our pioneering effort reflects Methodist’s commitment to meeting the needs of every patient.
Patients considering bloodless surgery are advised to consult with their health care team to learn the basic risks that accompany the particular procedure they will be undergoing. They should also discuss their own personal risk factors as well as ask for help in weighing the risks and benefits of bloodless techniques.
Surgical and other Techniques
Methodist Hospitals uses the following surgeries and techniques:
- Laparoscopic Surgery, where surgery is performed through a very small incision.
- Stereotactic Surgery, which uses a special instrument to diagnose or remove brain tumors with low blood loss.
- Lithotripsy, in which ultrasonic waves are used to disintegrate kidney stones.
- Advanced anesthetic techniques can be used during surgery to slow blood loss.
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy uses a special chamber to speed up slow healing wounds.
Blood Conservation Techniques and Technologies
The Center for Bloodless Medicine at Methodist Hospitals utilizes blood conservation techniques and other advanced medical technologies to provide state-of-the-art care without using donor blood. These include:
- Cell Saver, a machine that continually circulates the patient’s own blood during surgery by collecting lost blood, cleaning it, and returning it to the patient.
- Electrocautery, an instrument that uses heat to “seal” incisions during surgery to stop bleeding.
- Medications that include various colony-stimulating advanced biotech products that promote the creation of more red blood cells and platelets in the blood.
- Plasma extenders and albumin are blood components that are acceptable for some individuals whose religious beliefs prohibit transfusion.
To learn more about Methodist Hospitals Center for Bloodless Medicine, please call 219-757-7213.