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Creighton University Medical Center, located 601 N. 30th St. in Omaha, Nebraska, is proud to offer one of the area's only programs dedicated to reducing the need for blood transfusions.
Also known as bloodless medicine and surgery, transfusion-free surgery, or blood management, the Center for Blood Conservation provides quality medical and surgical care without the use of donor blood. It is one of only 150 such programs in the United States and over 130 physicians participate in the program. CUMC's skilled specialists use meticulous surgical techniques to minimize a patient's blood loss before, during and after procedures. Since 1994, thousands of procedures at Creighton University Medical Center have been performed without blood transfusions.
An Alternative
Interest in bloodless surgery has resulted from a variety of religious and social concerns, as well as the safety and availability of blood. Improvements in technology and surgical techniques make transfusion-free surgery a reality for many patients.
The Omaha community requested blood conservation options for medical and surgical procedures. We listened and assembled an impressive team of physicians and support staff to deliver a variety of non-blood alternatives, with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live healthier lives.
It's Your Choice
The Center for Blood Conservation is available to all patients who wish to avoid using donated blood. In providing patients with high-quality care, we assure that their personal wishes will be honored and that they will be treated with respect and dignity prior to, during and after treatment.
If you decide to participate in the program, there are two choices:
- Level 1: No blood transfusions ever.
- Level 2: You may indicate that you prefer that the physician employs blood conservation techniques rather than blood transfusions, and that you will only accept a blood transfusion if a life-or-death situation arises.
The Team Approach
The program is not just a promise from one physician not to use banked blood. Our program offers a team approach that includes the program manager, medical director, physicians, nurses, technicians and other support personnel. We also have a medical steering committee to help guide this program.
Creighton University Medical Center's full-time program manager will help ensure high quality of medical care, act as a liaison between the patient, the patient's family, physicians and staff, and help meet special medical needs and requests.
Treatment of Minors
We respect the concerns of parents wishing to avoid transfusions of donor blood for their children. We will work with parents to pursue treatment options. However, please be aware that federal and state law may impose limitations on withholding blood transfusions for minors in a life-or-death situation.
Mission Statement
Creighton University Medical Center is committed to respect and to providing the option of blood conservation to patients who desire non blood medical treatment. We will be sensitive to such requests and treat such patients with the utmost dignity. We are committed to providing the highest quality of care to the community we serve through patient care, teaching, and research.
Accreditation
The Creighton University Medical Center for Blood Conservation is accredited by the Association for Blood Conservation.
Director
The Center for Blood Conservation is directed by Dr. Jeffrey Sugimoto, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Vascular Surgery at Creighton University.
Contact Us
eMail Mark Eldredge, Manager of the Center for Blood Conservation.
Call 402-449-5995 or 800-425-6638.
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