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Is bleeding in joint replacement or spinal surgery common?
With joint replacement or spinal surgery it is common for blood to collect at the site of the surgery and slow the healing process. This blood is removed by a surgical drain and later discarded. Blood may also be lost during the operation.
Why might I need a blood transfusion?
It may be necessary to replace the blood lost during and after your operation, often with blood donated by another person (a donor blood transfusion). Having your own blood back (sometimes called an autologous blood transfusion) helps to reduce the need for donor blood and in some cases, donor blood can be avoided all together.
What are the benefits of having my own blood back?
Your own blood will be given back to you sooner than a donor blood transfusion could, putting you on the road to recovery quicker. Your own blood contains white blood cells not present in donor blood. These may help to boost your immune system and help to protect you against infection.
What are Sangvia™ and Bellovac™ ABT?
Sangvia and Bellovac ABT are the names of the Astra Tech systems that are used to collect and filter your blood which is then given back to you through a drip in your arm. Bellovac ABT is used after your operation and Sangvia is used during your operation as well.
Is this a new idea?
Various forms of autologous blood transfusion have been in use for more than a decade. The Bellovac ABT system has been thoroughly tested and has been successfully used with more than 100,000 cases in over 100 hospitals in the UK!
Can I have my own blood back after any type of surgery?
At present, these systems can only be used for knee replacement, hip replacement or for some types of surgery of the spine. Your consultant will be able to advise you about the options that may be available for other types of surgery.
Is this system suitable for Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Bellovac ABT and Sangvia may be acceptable for all people that do not wish to have donor blood, including Jehovah’s Witnesses. The Bellovac ABT Extension Line allows for the requirements of many faiths, however the final decision to accept autologous blood is a personal one.
Please ask your pre-assessment team if you have any further questions regarding this element of your care.
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