Bloodless medicine and surgery
At Sharp, we offer surgery options using transfusion-free or “bloodless” techniques and procedures for patients who wish to avoid the use of blood transfusions.
Find a bloodless medicine specialist near you
Choose the San Diego provider who's right for you.
Procedures
We offer a variety of bloodless options for a range of surgical procedures, including:
Cardiac bypass surgery
Gall bladder removal
Hip replacement
Hysterectomy
Knee replacement
Open-heart surgery
Routine appendectomies
Uterine fibroid removal
We offer alternative blood-saving techniques for a transfusion-free experience, such as:
Filtering and recirculating your own blood using a cell-saver machine
Operating laparoscopically to reduce incision sizes
Stimulating blood-cell production through the use of certain pharmaceuticals, such as Epogen/Retacrit
Using electrocautery and other tools to reduce blood loss
Enhancing blood circulation using volume expanders
Use of the da Vinci® robotic surgical system
Use of medications to promote clotting, which may prevent excessive bleeding during surgery
Resources
We provide a variety of bloodless medicine patient resources (PDFs) so you can be comfortable in your choice:
Directive for Blood Fractions/Blood Conservation Equipment
You will need to complete this form ahead of any procedure where you refuse a blood transfusion.
Frequently asked questions
We offer bloodless medicine options at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, Sharp Coronado Hospital, Sharp Grossmont Hospital, Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns and Sharp Memorial Hospital.
There are two simple ways to find the right doctor for you:
Search online with our quick, easy-to-use Find a Doctor tool.
Call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, to speak with one of our specially trained physician referral specialists. They know our doctors and can help you find the perfect fit.
Sharp accepts almost all health insurance plans, including Medicare, Medi-Cal and most managed care and private insurance plans.
Be sure to check with your insurance company to verify specific coverage. Insurance companies frequently add new plans, and update provider networks and covered services under existing plans.
If a patient faces a life-threatening complication during a bloodless procedure, the hospital's blood bank will be prepared to supply the needed blood safely. Although transfusions are a comparatively safe procedure with significant benefits, some patients may occasionally develop allergic reactions, fevers, chills or other rare complications.
San Diego bloodless medicine locations
We offer bloodless medicine at hospitals across San Diego — from South Bay to East County to Kearny Mesa.
