UPHS - Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Newsletter

Transfusion-Free Cardiac Surgery: A Patient Success Story

Thurs, 10 May 2007 EDT

Reuben 'Drew' Boyer was in good health — except for a persistent dull ache in his left shoulder. 'I wasn’t having any other problems except for that pain. I knew something didn't feel right,' recalled Mr. Boyer, 49, of Ventnor, New Jersey. About 20 years ago, Mr. Boyer was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse (MVP), one of the most common heart valve abnormalities affecting millions of people worldwide. People diagnosed with MVP may experience occasional heart palpitations; however, most do not have any symptoms.

Mitral Valve Prolapse and Heart Valve Repair

Thurs, 10 May 2007 EDT

The mitral valve allows blood to flow in one direction between two chambers of the heart — the left atrium (upper chamber) and the left ventricle (lower chamber). Normally, the mitral valve closes after blood flows through it. However, a person with MVP has a valve flap that does not close or seal properly and bulges backwards (prolapse) into the upper chamber.

Blood Conservation versus Bloodless Medicine and Surgery: Understanding the Differences

Thurs, 10 May 2007 EDT

In the United States, more hospitals are now offering bloodless medicine and surgery programs as more physicians and patients become aware of its many benefits. By definition, bloodless medicine and surgery programs offer patients an option to completely avoid transfusing blood or blood products before, during or after surgery through a variety of medical and surgical techniques.

Physician Profile: Charles R. Bridges, MD, ScD

Thurs, 10 May 2007 EDT

Charles R. Bridges, MD, ScD, is the chief of cardiovascular surgery at Pennsylvania Hospital and part of the team of physicians within the Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery (CBMS) at Pennsylvania Hospital.