Bloodless Medicine and Surgery at Penn
The Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery at Pennsylvania Hospital is one of the leading blood management programs in the United States. The center offers unique medical and surgical alternatives to patients unwilling to accept blood transfusions or blood products during surgery, childbirth or traumatic injuries.
Bloodless medicine and surgery is a safe and effective method of treating patients without using whole blood or blood products such as red cells, white cells, platelets and plasma. Patients choose non-blood treatment for religious, personal, ethical or medical reasons.
Procedures Offered with Blood Management
Specialists at the Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery perform common and advanced procedures to prevent or minimize blood loss including:
- Aneurysm repairs
- Cancer treatment surgeries
- Chemotherapy
- Gall bladder surgeries
- Gynecological and urological surgeries
- Heart bypass and valve replacement surgeries
- Hysterectomies
- Neurosurgical procedures, including the removal of brain tumors and aneurysm repairs
- Obstetrics, including normal and high-risk deliveries
- Open heart surgeries
- Orthopaedic surgery, including hip and total knee replacements
- Prostatectomy – prostate removals and other urinary tract conditions
- Stem cell (bone marrow) transplants
- Traumatic injuries such as lacerated livers or spleens
- Vascular surgeries
The Penn Difference
Patricia A. Ford, MD, The medical director of the Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery is a hematologist/oncologist specializing in anemia with more than 10 years of experience in bloodless medicine and surgery. Every staff member respects patient choice and is sensitive to patients who opt for non-blood medical treatment.
Penn cardiovascular surgeons excel in performing complex cardiac surgeries using bloodless strategies, and have helped develop these processes and techniques. Center physicians and surgeons provide consultation, training and education to other physicians and medical professionals from around the country.
The team of physicians, nurses, social workers, oordinators, pastoral counselors and volunteers highly trained for this complex service.
Learn more about bloodless medicine and surgery at Penn Medicine
