I am having open heart surgery on Monday July 7th. I am one of Jehovah's witnesses and plan on using the cell saver machine and also the heart, lung machine as I want a bloodless surgery. I need to know does the doctor automatically use salene to prime the machines? Do I need to make sure what he plans to do as far as fluids running in the machine with my blood? I won't be able to talk to the doctor until the morning of my surgery.

Since you are literally out of time (this being a holiday weekend), the best way you can prepare for this procedure is to be sure that you are clear about what you will and won't accept and be ready to communicate that to your surgeon . . . Read up on personal conscience choices -- the cell saver, erythropoietin, albumin, etc. so that you can communicate your wishes and make sure your "No Blood" advanced directive is completely filled out and copies are ready for the facility. If you've already made your surgeon aware of your "no blood" status in advance, he/she should be using solutions other than blood to "prime" the machine. If you've not communicated that to your surgeon, the earlier you do so the more the better so that the "team" can assist you in achieving the best outcome. If there is some type of heart surgery co-ordinator or "no blood" coordinator at the hospital, try to get in touch with them if possible to communicate your wishes as well.

Additionally, As a JW you may want to contact your local HLC and give them a heads up. Single, Double, Tripple etc bypass can be successfully accomplished without the use of blood. Hopefully your lab work shows your hemoglobin to be in the normal range of 14-18 for this procedure. Take care and hope all goes well.

Where are you having your surgery done?

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Keith A. Samolyk CCP, LCP
Global Blood Resources LLC
P.O. Box 383 Somers CT. 06071
Tel (800) - 942 - 9243
Fax (860) - 285 - 0289
www.mybloodfirst.com