Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) offers bloodless surgery and medicine to adult and pediatric patients who seek safe alternatives to blood transfusion because of religious, medical or personal concerns. Our safe and effective transfusion-free techniques, used during surgeries and medical procedures, limit or eliminate the need for blood products.

Our program that supports bloodless surgery and medicine is called Patient Blood Management. This program offers patients information regarding blood transfusion alternatives and assists with coordination of care and advocacy to patients and parents of minor children who request bloodless surgery.

Avoiding the need for blood products

Research shows avoiding transfusion can prevent exposure to blood component contamination, lower your risk for infection, shorten your hospital stay, and help you recover faster. More and more people are seeking safer and effective transfusion alternatives.

OHSU strategies for avoiding and controlling bleeding and anemia without blood transfusion when surgery is required

Managing anemia

• Before surgery
  Screening and  treatment of preoperative anemia
• After surgery
  Supporting  anemia with therapies such as oxygen, fluids, and medications to boost red  blood cell production, vigilant monitoring for bleeding and education materials  for how to manage at home.

Intra-operative techniques to minimize blood loss

Our experts use a variety of techniques along with specialized equipment and medications to reduce bleeding and the requirement of blood products during surgery. Techniques  and options are discussed with each patient individually before surgery and support is provided if required to assist with decision making. Our highly skilled team of experts offer patients the latest advances.