Saint John’s Health Center to Hold Symposium on Transfusion Free Medicine & Surgery February 18

WHAT: Saint John’s Health Center invites all interested in medical care without blood transfusion to our upcoming symposium on “Transfusion Free Medicine & Surgery.�

Featured Topics and Speakers:

• The Amazing Functions of Blood – Olga M. Olevsky, M.D.
• When Angioplasty and Stenting is the Right Choice – Peter Pelikan, M.D.
• Success in Major Surgery Without Blood Transfusions – Manuel R. Estioko, M.D. and John M. Robertson, M.D.
• How to Access Quality Care Without Blood Transfusion – Michael Miranda, Manager of Transfusion Free Medicine.

COMPLEMENTARY LUNCH WILL BE SERVED AND FREE PARKING AVAILABLE WITH VALIDATION.

WHEN: Saturday, February 18, 2006
11:30 – 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Doubletree Guest Suites
1707 Fourth Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

WHY: Medical and surgical care with out blood transfusion is now available at Saint John’s Health Center in multiple specialty areas. Transfusion-free surgery is available at the Heart Institute through Saint John's Transfusion-Free Medicine & Surgery Center.

Under the direction of the center's medical director, cardiothoracic surgeon Manuel R. Estioko, M.D., patients now have the option of undergoing open heart surgery without blood transfusion. As one of the earliest pioneers in the field, Dr. Estioko has been performing surgery without blood transfusion for more than 25 years.

In open heart surgery, Dr. Estioko and his team employ precise surgical techniques and strategies to limit blood loss and avoid bleeding tendencies, while emphasizing total attention to all phases of patient care.

Space is limited; please RSVP by February 10, 2006 by contacting:
Michael Miranda - 310-829-8789 / michael.miranda@stjohns.org
Dr. Manuel R. Estioko - 310-829-8618.