Seattle Children's Heart Center: Home to the Nation’s Largest Blood Conservation Program

Seattle Children's has established itself as a leader in pediatric cardiac care, pioneering one of the most advanced Blood Conservation Programs in the country. This program is especially notable for its focus on bloodless surgery, which is particularly important for patients requiring complex heart procedures.

Blood conservation in pediatric cardiac care presents unique challenges. Children, especially infants and those with congenital heart conditions, often have limited blood volume, making the preservation of blood particularly critical. At Seattle Children's, the Blood Conservation Program is designed to minimize the need for blood transfusions, focusing instead on techniques that support the child's own blood volume during surgery.

Bloodless Surgery

Bloodless surgery refers to performing surgical procedures without the use of stored or donated blood products. This approach is not only beneficial for patients with specific medical or religious considerations but also reduces the risk of transfusion-related complications. At Seattle Children's, bloodless surgery is made possible through the expertise of the most experienced pediatric heart surgeons and pediatric cardiac care specialists in the Pacific Northwest.

Achieving successful outcomes with bloodless surgery requires a collaborative effort from a highly skilled, multidisciplinary team. Our dedicated specialists work together to implement innovative techniques that have been developed at Seattle Children’s. Seattle Children's is proud to be able to offer infants and children the possibility of having complex heart surgery without the use of blood.

Safety and Custom-Care Approach

Patient safety is paramount at Seattle Children's Heart Center. The hospital's custom-care approach ensures that each child receives a tailored treatment plan. This focus on individualized care not only enhances safety but also optimizes outcomes. Families can feel confident that their child is receiving care from one of the nation’s top-ranked Heart Centers.

Reducing the Need for Blood Products

Techniques used in Seattle Children's Blood Conservation Program include meticulous preoperative planning, minimizing blood loss during surgery, and using state-of-the-art technologies to support the patient's circulatory system. These strategies are crucial for reducing the use of transfusions, which aligns with best practices in pediatric cardiac care.

Consultations and Support

For families and healthcare providers considering Seattle Children's for cardiac surgery, the Blood Conservation Program team is available for preoperative consultations. These discussions are vital to understanding each patient's specific needs and planning a comprehensive, personalized approach to blood conservation.

Implications for Primary Care Providers

As a primary care provider, understanding the benefits of bloodless surgery and the capabilities of Seattle Children's Blood Conservation Program can inform referrals and discussions with families:

• Alternative Options: For families concerned about blood transfusions, this program offers a viable alternative without compromising care quality.
• Comprehensive Support: The hospital provides extensive resources and support, ensuring families are well-informed and comfortable with their child's treatment plan.

Seattle Children's Blood Conservation Program is not just about reducing blood use; it’s about leading the way in pediatric heart care. The hospital's commitment to innovation and patient-centered care continues to set the standard for complex cardiac procedures.

By choosing Seattle Children's, healthcare providers can be assured that their patients are receiving cutting-edge treatment designed to preserve blood volume and promote safer surgical outcomes. To learn more about the program or refer a patient, please visit the Seattle Children’s Blood Conservation program page.