Autotransfusionists

 As you might expect, a lot of blood may be lost during cardiac surgery and it must somehow be replaced. Blood from a donor used to be the only solution, but it is now common practice to use the services of an autotransfusionist.

Using specially-designed equipment, the autotransfusionist collects the blood lost from the patient during the operation, scrubs or cleans the blood of impurities, then makes is available to be reinfused into the patient. The process is commonly know as a "cell-saver" and is considered far superior to the use of blood from a donor, because it reduces the possibility of infection and provides more functional cells back to the patient. 

Asheville Heart has a team of highly skilled autotransfusionists dedicated to providing the highest possible quality of care.

DEBBIE BRADLEY Autotransfusionist
HARRISON FORD Autotransfusionist
JASON MOORE Autotransfusionist