Autologous Procedure

Heart-Lung Bypass

What it is

Blood is circulated through an external machine (cardiopulmonary bypass) during cardiac surgery. The patient's own blood is used throughout.

If you accept vs. refuse

Accept Why some people accept

Essential for most open-heart surgeries
Uses your own blood in a continuous closed circuit
Miniaturized circuits reduce hemodilution and blood loss
Bloodless cardiac surgery outcomes are comparable to conventional approaches

Refuse Why some people refuse

Blood circulates through an external machine (the bypass pump)
Some consider the external circuit to mean blood has "left the body"
Limits surgical options for cardiac procedures significantly if refused

Related concepts

Equipment Miniaturized Bypass Circuit A smaller cardiopulmonary bypass system that reduces hemodilution and the need for transfusion during cardiac surgery.

Topic Cardiac Surgery Heart surgery techniques that minimize or eliminate the need for transfusion, including miniaturized bypass circuits and RAP.

Autologous Procedure Hemodilution Blood is drawn immediately before surgery and replaced with IV fluids. The blood is returned to the patient after surgery, reducing the loss of concentrated blood.

Glossary Autologous From oneself. Autologous procedures use the patient's own blood, not blood from a donor.

Medical references

Engelbrecht et al. (2005) Bloodless cardiac surgery in Jehovah's Witness patients. Heart Surgery Forum. Outcomes comparable to conventional approach. →Vaislic et al. (2003) Cardiac surgery in Jehovah's Witness patients: ten-year experience. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. →

In your Directive

Your directive will note your position on cardiopulmonary bypass, which is relevant if you require cardiac surgery.

Make this choice in your Directive

Your blood product decisions are recorded clearly and shared with your Care Team.

Create your Directive