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Center for Blood Conservation

Because we are committed to meeting the specialized needs of our patients, Lake Hospital System has established the Center for Blood Conservation to complement our progressive approach to providing surgical and medical services. This innovative program incorporates various methods to help reduce or eliminate the need for donated blood and/or blood components. There is no compromise in the quality of patient care when utilizing such a program.

Why Choose Blood Conservation?

At Lake Hospital System we utilize an integrated team approach to blood conservation. Our team of highly skilled physicians, nurses, technicians and support staff fully understand and support this approach to treatment, which may result in a shorter hospital stay, reduced blood loss, improved outcomes and increased satisfaction for the patient. The reduction of blood transfusions and/or blood components likewise reduces exposure to a variety of potential risks. Some research studies have shown that blood conservation can actually be safer for this very reason and be a more cost effective approach to patient care.

How is Blood Conservation Performed?

Lake Hospital System's Center for Blood Conservation uses proven, state-of-the-art techniques and specialized equipment to reduce or eliminate the need for donated blood. Listed below are some of the methods utilized in blood conservation.

  • Cell Saver System -- A sophisticated system that carefully conserves and recirculates blood that might otherwise be lost during surgery.
  • Synthetic Erythropoietin -- A hormone that stimulates bone marrow to increase production of red blood cells. This can be used before surgery to possibly eliminate the need for banking your own blood.
  • Electrocautery/Coagulator (Argon beam coagulator, Tissue Link, Gyrus, Harmonic Scalpel) -- Limits internal bleeding by clotting the patient's blood during surgery.
  • Meticulous Surgical Techniques -- During surgery, painstaking attention is paid to minimize blood loss at all times.
  • Platelet Sealant -- Platelets, spun from your own blood, are mixed with a thrombin/calcium substance to make a gel or sealant that is applied to the surgical site. The platelet sealant reduces micro bleeding, reduces swelling, decreases pain, stimulates tissue growth, and enhances the healing process.
  • Volume Expanders -- Enhances circulation of the patient's own blood through intravenous fluids thereby reducing the amount of red blood cells lost during surgery.
  • Acute Normovolemic Hemodilution -- A technique in which one to three units of your blood are taken and replaced with volume expanders. This is done prior to the start of your surgery. Your blood is then given back to your during or after surgery to replace any blood lost during the operation. Your blood never goes to the blood bank for storage.
  • Micro Sampling -- Very small amounts of blood are taken for testing, rather than the larger quantities routinely drawn.
  • Pulse Oximeter -- A non-invasive device that tracks blood oxygen levels during surgery. This helps to decrease the need for frequent arterial blood gases that require a blood draw.
  • Use of Additional Hematopoietic (blood cell production) Therapies -- Restores iron levels with applications such as iron, folic acid, and ascorbic acid to facilitate iron absorption and stimulate the production of red blood cells.

Can My Condition be Treated With Blood Conservation Techniques?

Blood conservation techniques to reduce or eliminate the need for donated blood and/or blood components can potentially be applied to all medical and surgical specialties offered at Lake Hospital System including:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Critical Care
  • Dentistry
  • Emergency Services
  • Family Practice
  • Gastroenterology
  • General Surgery
  • Infectious Disease
  • Internal Medicine
  • Neonatology
  • Nephrology
  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology
  • Oncology/Hematology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Orthopedics
  • Otolaryngology (ENT)
  • Pediatrics
  • Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
  • Podiatry
  • Proctology
  • Pulmonology
  • Rheumatology
  • Urology
  • Vascular Surgery

Will my Health Insurance Cover Blood Conservation Techniques?

Blood conservation medicine is an accepted form of health care. Patients should check with their health plan to make sure that services are covered.

How Can I Participate in the Blood Conservation Program?

Talk to your doctor. Discuss your preference with regard to accepting donated blood and/or blood components. By taking a proactive approach to your medical care, you and your doctor can determine appropriate blood conservation strategies. In some cases, your doctor will contact Lake Hospital System's Center for Blood Conservation.

Our Center for Blood Conservation will assist you in identifying ways you can take an active role in your health care and educate you on all aspects of blood management and conservation. The center's goal is to provide state-of-the-art health care while respecting your individual choices regarding specific medical procedures.

For More Information

Lake Hospital System is committed to working closely with our patients to ensure that the care they receive reflects their choices and is compatible with their values. To learn more about the Center for Blood Conservation, please call 440-354-1135.