new bloodless surgery technology questions

[smk1, LPN]

Has anyone had experience working with the bloodless surgery programs? I am really intrigued by what i have been learning about these procedures, and their successes. With the nationwide shortage of blood, and all of the different risks associated with transfusion, this seems like a great developing alternative. What are your thoughts? Have you participated in any surgeries using the "bloodless" techniques? I am not a nurse yet so don't get too technical on me!

[suzanne4, RN]

I have done many open heart surgeries on Jehovah's Witness patients and have actually had about less than 100 cc blood loss. We used cell saver during the case also.

Are you talking in terms of using a blood substitute, or laser guided surgery where there is no actual external cutting with a blade? If you can be more specific, I can give you more information.

:balloons:

[smk1, LPN]

i was thinking more along the lines of volume expanders and substitutes, but the laser technique sounds interesting as well. this is all such a fascinating topic to me!

[suzanne4, RN]

Still not using the volume expanders much, if the surgeon is careful.......

Of course, in a big trauma they would be used more frequently but we still have been able to get all of the blood products that we need. So, I have used only blood products, hespan, or albumin....................