Physician Profile: Charles R. Bridges, MD, ScD
Fall 2006
Charles R. Bridges,
MD, ScD, is the chief of cardiovascular surgery at Pennsylvania Hospital and part of the team of
physicians within the Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery (CBMS) at Pennsylvania Hospital.
Because open-heart surgery is frequently
associated with blood loss, patients often assume
that a blood transfusion may be necessary. At
the Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery
at Pennsylvania Hospital, bloodless management
techniques and minimally invasive surgical
procedures are available as transfusion-free
alternatives to eligible patients. Prior to elective
heart surgery, patients interested in pursuing
this option are evaluated at CBMS, where
they undergo testing to check their iron and
hemoglobin levels and boost their blood count,
if necessary.
Minimally Invasive Transfusion-Free Cardiac Surgery
When Reuben “Drew” Boyer
met with Charles Bridges, MD,
ScD, about his mitral valve condition, Mr. Boyer
was pleasantly surprised to learn that the
surgery would neither require a large incision
nor a blood transfusion.
“Mr. Boyer was younger than a lot of patients
who need open-heart surgery and he had specific
concerns. For example, he wanted to return
to work sooner and he had cosmetic concerns
about the size of the incision on his chest,”
Dr. Bridges said.
Dr. Bridges, who has been active with CBMS
for over seven years, recommended minimally
invasive mitral valve surgical repair with
medical management through Pennsylvania
Hospital’s bloodless program.
“During this procedure, we make a small
incision in the natural breast crease that is
approximately 2 to 3 inches in length. Then,
we gently spread the ribs to get to the heart,”
Dr. Bridges explained. In order to reduce or
eliminate blood loss during the surgery, the
surgical team uses a smaller, more efficient
heart-lung machine and pediatric tubing. The
team also salvages blood that is suctioned
out of the body and avoids unnecessary blood
tests after the operation.
The benefits of transfusion-free, minimally
invasive cardiac surgery are significant. Patients
experience a limited amount of blood loss, a
reduction in postoperative pain and improved
cosmetic results. Following minimally invasive
surgery, patients often have a shorter hospital
stay and the risks of transfusion-related
complications are reduced.
“This approach is becoming more desirable
to all patients, not just those who refuse blood
due to religious beliefs. We discuss bloodless
surgery with every patient we see. We want to
get as many patients involved with the program
as possible,” Dr. Bridges noted.
About Dr. Bridges
Dr. Bridges is an associate professor of surgery
at the University of Pennsylvania School of
Medicine. After receiving his medical degree
from Harvard University, Dr. Bridges completed
his residency in general surgery and his fellowship
in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at the
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He is
board certified in cardiothoracic surgery and
general surgery.
Dr. Bridges is the Chairman of the Society of
Thoracic Surgeons Workforce on Evidence Based
Surgery. He is a fellow in the American College
of Surgeons, the American Heart Association and
the American College of Cardiology. Dr. Bridges
was recognized in Philadelphia Magazine’s Top
Docs issues from 2004-2006 for thoracic surgery.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bridges,
please call 1-800-789-PENN (7366) or visit
pennmedicine.org.
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