Bloodless Cardiac Surgery

The Stanford Center for Bloodless Cardiac Surgery provides lifesaving options for patients who cannot or choose not to receive blood transfusions. This comprehensive center brings together a multidisciplinary team of experts, including cardiothoracic surgeons, anesthesiologists, hematologists, and perfusionists, to perform most complex cardiac procedures without the use of blood products.

Comprehensive Care in Bloodless Cardiac Surgery

Understanding Bloodless Cardiac Surgery

Bloodless surgery, also known as transfusion-free surgery, is a technique that uses no blood products or transfusions during surgery. Rather, a patient’s own blood is preserved with cutting-edge surgical techniques and technology. Patients may decline blood or blood products for religious, personal, or medical reasons. Research shows that bloodless surgery can have several benefits for patients, including a possible shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery. Not all cardiac surgeries can be performed bloodless, but many can.

Preoperative Process

Before surgery, the team will order comprehensive blood tests to determine if a patient would benefit from preoperative optimization treatments that would help boost blood reserves. These results are then reviewed among the cardiac surgery, anesthesia, and hematology teams to create a personalized plan best suited for each patient. Common preoperative treatments to help improve red blood cell counts include:

  • Erythropoietin (EPO) therapy
  • Iron infusion therapy
  • Vitamin B12 supplementation
  • Folate supplementation
     

We also review all available blood and blood-derived products with each patient to help them decide which option they are willing to accept or decline.

Intraoperative Process

During surgery, we utilize a multifaceted approach to conserve blood. Our bloodless surgery team:

  • Ensure adequate hemostasis and minimal blood loss
  • Use a cell saver to process the patient’s own blood
  • Operate a cardiopulmonary bypass machine
  • Connect additional lines and tubing to ensure the circuit remains unbroken for individuals who prefer their blood remains in a continuous circuit





     

Postoperative Care

In the postoperative period, we continue to prioritize blood conservation. Our team:

  • Performs blood draws less frequently
  • Uses micro-sampling techniques for necessary lab tests
  • Provides close monitoring to manage the unique needs of bloodless surgery patients










     

The Stanford Advantage

At Stanford Medicine, we employ the latest blood management techniques and transfusion alternatives to maximize patient safety. Our team uses all available options and applies careful, advanced techniques to minimize potential blood loss during surgery.

Learn more at Stanford Health Care.

Center Directors

William Hiesinger, MD

Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford School of Medicine

Surgical Director, Stanford Center for Bloodless Cardiac Surgery

Worasak Keeyapaj, MD

Clinical Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Stanford School of Medicine

Medical Director, Stanford Center for Bloodless Cardiac Surgery

Transfer Center and Referral Information

Patients and Families (Self-Referral)

Contact the Adult Cardiac Surgery scheduling department at (650) 724-7500.

Physicians and Health Care Professionals

Fax a referral to the Adult Cardiac Surgery department at (650) 736-0901.
Contact the Adult Cardiac Surgery scheduling department at (650) 724-7500.

Transfer Center

Phone: 1 (800) 800-1551 (24 hours – 7 days a week)
Fax: (650) 723-6505