Bloodless Heart Surgery

Video Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] I was a very healthy 47-year-old that was very active. I was active in my ministry. I enjoyed outdoor activity. And I would come to and drop out and come to. So they came again and got me. And yeah, that's when it got really scary.

So due to my faith, I don't take blood transfusions. So they weren't willing to-- they weren't able to work to do that for me.

The University of Chicago was actually on a list that we have that would accept ones like Lisa to do bloodless surgery. And so we contacted the hospital liaison committee up here. And it just so happens that they worked closely with Dr. Jeevanandam.

Just so, I mean, really comforting. He was willing to do what I needed is-- and respect my faith.

I think the biggest thing is they were just open and honest with me. They would tell me, this is what's happening.

And, you know, we just became part of the hospital, so to speak. You know, the group and the nurses would come by, and they knew us by name, and they talked to us. So I think that was the biggest thing, is they treated us like family.

Each month that goes by, I just stay very active, walk a lot. And you just get stronger and stronger. But what I'm looking forward to about being home is being with my family and getting to be with my son-- for about a month before he gets married in May. So I'm thankful that I'll be there.

Bloodless heart surgery at the University of Chicago Medicine allows patients to undergo complex heart procedures without blood transfusions. Our team uses advanced techniques to reduce blood loss and provides personalized care for patients who prefer or require transfusion-free treatment.

Connect With a Specialist to Discuss Bloodless Heart Surgery

Call Us: 773-834-7749

Advanced Bloodless Cardiac Surgery

UChicago Medicine offers one of the world’s leading bloodless heart surgery programs, providing advanced care for patients who cannot or choose not to receive blood transfusions.

Our team performs a full range of procedures, from routine heart surgery to highly complex cases, including heart transplants and ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation, without the use of donor blood or blood products.

We take an individualized approach to care. Your team will listen to your preferences, explain your options and build a treatment plan that respects your beliefs and medical needs. Patients from across the world come to us for our experience in treating complex cases and our commitment to personalized care.

What is Bloodless Heart Surgery?

Bloodless heart surgery, also called transfusion-free surgery, is a safe option for patients with serious heart conditions who want to avoid blood transfusions. This may be for religious, personal or medical reasons.

During surgery, our physicians use advanced techniques to reduce blood loss and avoid the need for transfusions. We also work closely with each patient to develop a plan that protects their health while honoring their wishes.

How We Prepare You for Surgery

Before surgery, we focus on improving your blood levels to support a safe procedure and recovery. Your care team may recommend:

Increasing iron through diet and supplements
Taking vitamins such as folic acid
Using medications to boost blood counts
Stopping smoking and alcohol use
Adjusting certain medications and supplements as directed

Have questions about your care plan? We're here to help.

Contact Our Team: 773-834-7749

Blood-Sparing Techniques We Use

Our team uses specialized techniques to minimize blood loss during surgery:

Cell Saver: Collects and cleans blood lost during surgery, then returns it to your body.

Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A specially configured heart-lung machine supports circulation and oxygen during surgery while the heart is temporarily stopped.

Hemodilution: A small amount of your blood is safely diverted away from the normal heart-lung circuit before surgery, kept aside, and returned afterward to help restore clotting factors, platelets and blood levels.

Benefits of Bloodless Surgery

Bloodless heart surgery offers several advantages, including:

No risk of infections from donor blood
Lower chance of allergic or inflammatory reactions
Improved immune response after surgery
Fewer complications related to stored blood
Avoidance of transfusion-related reactions

See if Bloodless Heart Surgery is Right for You

Call Us: 773-834-7749

Why Choose UChicago Medicine for Bloodless Heart Surgery?

UChicago Medicine is one of the few hospitals in the country with a dedicated bloodless cardiac surgery program that treats complex cases.

Our multidisciplinary team includes cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists and hematologists who work together to provide coordinated, patient-centered care. We are also experienced in performing bloodless procedures for patients who need advanced treatments, including heart surgery and transplantation.

Our program has helped hundreds of patients safely undergo life-saving heart surgery while honoring their preferences for transfusion-free care.

Referring a Patient or Need a Second Opinion?

Connect with our bloodless heart surgery team to discuss next steps.

Refer a Patient: 773-702-1929

Second Opinion: 773-834-7749

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is bloodless heart surgery for?

What procedures can be done without blood transfusions?

Is bloodless heart surgery safe?

How do I get started?

Interested in receiving more information about bloodless heart surgery?

If you would like to join our bloodless surgery community, you can subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest information about heart disease and bloodless treatments.

Subscribe Now

Nationally Ranked in Cardiology, Heart Surgery and Vascular Surgery

According to U.S. News and World Report, the University of Chicago Medicine's Heart and Vascular programs are among the best in the nation.

Learn more about our national heart and vascular rank.

Our Bloodless Heart Surgery Team

Valluvan Jeevanandam, MD

Director, Heart and Vascular Center

Chief, Section of Cardiac Surgery

Cynthia Chow Professor of Surgery

Colleen LaBuhn, MSN, FNP-C, CCRN

Executive Director, Heart and Vascular Center

Bloodless Heart Surgery APNs

Calvin Adatsi, APN
Edith Gonzales, APN

Bloodless Surgery Nurse Navigator

Allison Nowak, RN

Bloodless Coordinators

Deanna Bassette, APN
Maureen Wilson, RN

Bloodless Heart Surgeries We Perform

Lane Jenkins Received Bloodless Heart Transplant

When no West Coast hospital would accept him as a patient, Lane Jenkins found UChicago Medicine for his complex, bloodless heart transplant that respected his religious views as one of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Video Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] I would say, before my activities were always been golfing, basketball, bowling. And I felt to the point where I couldn't do any of those things again. Fatigue, shortness of breath. It's extremely important based on Bible principles that blood is sacred. We view blood as sacred. And it's not that we don't want to live or get the best medical care possible. No, it's just that is what is outlined in God's word, the Bible.

So for me, it's extremely important. And it's a life decision that I will not take blood. And we have a hospital liaison committee. And they had recommended University of Chicago as one of the places that was definitely excellent in doing bloodless surgery. And because of that, their team reached out to me here in Chicago. They reached out to my wife and myself, explaining exactly what they do, exactly what time frame that they do it in.

And based on the recommendation of the HLC and their representatives, then I was able to make a decision. Definitely, Jehovah was able to guide me in the right direction. And that's one reason why we chose here at the University of Chicago.

He went up and down the West Coast. Went to other programs that say they do bloodless surgery but the results weren't great and they weren't really interested in taking care of him, because not only did he need bloodless surgery, he was also ill. And his pressures in his heart were very high. His output was low. And he was in borderline kidney failure.

And so we actually spoke to his cardiologist per the request of the family. And even the cardiologist when he spoke to Dr. Jay said, are you guys sure you can do this because he has this and this. And Dr. Jeevanandam said, yeah, we can do it.

My goal when I was in the hospital, I kept telling myself, I got to do what I have to do so I can get back home to my babies. Being a dad with two girls is a little sentimental. But I kept telling myself, I got to get back home to my babies, I got to get back home to my babies.

What makes us able to do these patients that other people won't do is when you have a good program, you can have a certain margin of error. But with patients who need very, very tight margins of error, like almost no error at all, you need to have a superlative team. And that's exactly what we've done. So we've created a superlative team.

That starts with our cardiologists, and they understand what Jehovah's Witnesses need to go through. Then you have the surgical team. When we operate, it's not like every surgeon does this. So we have a specific group of surgeons, we have a specific group of physician assistant, nurses, perfusionists that take care of these patients.

And so everybody's in sync. Almost, you don't have to talk to each other because we all know what we're going to do. And know all the little things that we do to preserve blood. And we go after every single area where we can lose blood.

So I think within a week or so he got a heart, it worked out great. And his pressures were high in the beginning but we knew how to manage them even in Jehovah's Witness. Those pressures then normally came down when the heart was good. And he [INAUDIBLE]. I think, he left the hospital in a very short period of time, like 14 to 21 days. And he's doing great.

My life is, it's funny. It's a lot better. Not just a lot better, it's very, very good, it's fabulous actually. To be able to walk, to be able to even run a little bit now. i'm starting running. To be able to go play golf, to be able to do all the activities I was doing without being hampered with being tired or fatigued, those things, I can't describe the feeling. It is so wonderful to be able to do those things on a regular basis.

Because when you say heart transplant, everybody, your peers, your friends are like, heart transplant, that's major. But when you're at the University of Chicago, when you're there with the team, and you see how regularly they do these things, it puts you at ease.

Bloodless Heart Surgery Locations Near You

Request an Appointment

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-773-702-2500 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.

* Indicates required field