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Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

What is bloodless medicine and surgery?

Bloodless medicine and surgery refers to the care of a patient’s medical and surgical needs without the use of banked blood products.

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Can serious procedures be cared for without blood transfusions?

Yes.

Just a few of the types of procedures that have been done without the use of banked blood include:

  • cancer surgeries
  • heart surgeries
  • joint replacements
  • organ transplants

UPMC Presbyterian was the first hospital in the world to perform liver transplants for those who required bloodless medicine and surgery.

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Are “blood substitutes” used?

While there has been considerable interest in the idea of artificial blood or blood substitutes, no products of this nature are currently available for use in the United States.

Research and clinical trials are currently being conducted about these products.

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How are bloodless surgical procedures performed?

Maximizing a person's blood counts prior to surgery is followed by a variety of techniques to decrease surgical blood loss.

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Is bloodless medicine and surgery safe?

There are risks and benefits to both accepting and refusing blood transfusions. Every person's case is different.
Your doctor will discuss the options with you and explain all the risks before any procedure.

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Can I have bloodless surgery at UPMC?

Yes.

In 2010, the Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery was instituted at UPMC.
For further information, call the center toll-free at 1-877-674-7111.

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