Non-Blood Management Techniques
Patients may choose a non-blood approach to
care prior to elective (non-emergency) surgery
or as a result of traumatic injuries. Our medical
team will recommend or use certain techniques
and technologies including:
Diet Management
Diet and nutrition are extremely important for patients considering a non-blood
treatment plan. For example, you may receive recommendations prior to surgery
to:
- maintain a nutritious diet high in iron
to increase the amount of iron in your blood.
- take other iron supplements such as ferrous
sulfate or ferrous gluconate.
- increase intake of vitamin C so the iron
is absorbed more effectively.
- take other vitamin supplements such as B-12
or folic acid.
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Medications
Your body may require certain medications to help increase red or white blood
cells or hemoglobin levels. Medications may also assist with minimizing blood
loss and maximizing the amount of oxygen in your blood.
Some medications that may be administered are:
- Oxygen carriers including perfluorocarbons
and hemoglobin substitutes
- Aprotinin
- Aminocaproic acid
- Desmopressin
- Vasopressin
- Vitamin K
In addition, your physician may request that
you stop taking other medications, such as aspirin
or anti-inflammatory drugs. Some medications
may hinder blood counts or clotting abilities.
If you are a smoker, you will be strongly urged
to stop smoking because it can interfere with
oxygen delivery throughout your body.
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Anesthesia Techniques
Your medical team may use certain anesthesia techniques during surgery including:
- Volume expanders (crystalloids/colloids)
- Hypotensive anesthesia
- Hypothermia
- Normovolemic hemodilution
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Surgical Methods
Surgical methods to minimize blood loss or conserve blood may include using
pediatric tubes, limiting blood sampling, or using pharmaceuticals. Our staff
uses a variety of surgical devices to limit blood loss including:
- Electrocautery
- Ultrasonic scalpel
- Laser surgery
- Argon beam coagulator
- Autotransfusion devices
- Selective embolization
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