by DrCiuffo | Nov 21, 2014 | Blog, Bloodless Heart Surgery, Jehovah Witnesses
Dr. Ciuffo has always been interested in the development and enhancement of the best, low-impact, minimally invasive heart surgery techniques available so that I can offer all of my patients the best options. As bloodless heart surgery techniques become more widely accepted it is an important aspect of the care of all cardiovascular patients. Dr. Ciuffo began employing these techniques in the late 90′s to comply with the religious beliefs of the Jehovah Witness congregations. The science behind bloodless heart surgery has made impressive progress over the last decade and it is now possible to offer this option routinely in the vast majority of our patients. Jehovah Witnesses cannot take blood transfusions due to their religious beliefs, but now more people are seeing the importance of reducing the need for blood transfusions for other health reasons. Learn more about the specific techniques on our main bloodless heart surgery page. Reasons For Bloodless Heart Surgery Religious Beliefs (such as Jehovah Witnesses) Eliminate The Risk Of Infection Avoid Allergic Reactions Faster Recovery Time Keep Immune System Strong A Note From Dr. Ciuffo About Bloodless Heart Surgery For Jehovah Witnesses “Witnesses embrace and are comfortable with all aspects of modern medicine but their refusal to receive a blood transfusion is not negotiable. Unfortunately, many physicians cannot offer proper care because they have a hard time understanding and respecting these beliefs. Sometimes a finer distinction is made between refusing Packed Red Blood Cells and accepting some of the other blood fractions (i.e.: Fresh Frozen Plasma, Platelets, Cryoprecipitate) on an individual basis, as a matter of personal conscience. The aversion to receiving blood transfusions stems from the interpretation of a specific passage in the Bible that states... by DrCiuffo | Nov 14, 2014 | Blog, Bloodless Heart Surgery, Jehovah Witnesses
Dr. Ciuffo and the Aultman Heart Surgery Center respect all religious beliefs all over the world and understand that sometimes life-saving surgery can conflict with certain religious ideologies. Dr. Ciuffo specializes in minimally invasive heart surgery that can be adjusted to come to a bloodless procedure in line with the religious specifications of Jehovah Witnesses, whose Old and New Testaments commands Jehovah Witnesses do not accept blood. About Aultman Heart Surgery Center & Dr. Ciuffo The Aultman Heart Surgery Center specializes in all types of heart surgery, and Dr. Ciuffo joined them to provide minimally invasive, bloodless heart surgery techniques. These minimally invasive surgical techniques minimize the loss of blood during surgery which eliminates the need for blood transfusions, which is why Jehovah Witnesses are some of his most common patients. Bloodless Surgery For Jehovah Witnesses The minimally invasive and bloodless heart surgery is performed through a small incision on the side, and Dr. Ciuffo use of a combination of blood-saving techniques eliminates the need for transfusions, totally in line with Jehovah Witness beliefs. Many of Dr. Ciuffo’s patients are Jehovah Witnesses, read all the testimonials on his patient stories now. Bloodless heart surgery patient, Nancy K. states: “I wanted the best medical care available but as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses I also wanted No Blood. I was aware of medical and surgical alternatives to blood transfusion such as the use of cell saver pumps and other medical treatments to boost my own hemoglobin level prior to surgery. When Dr. Giovanni B. Ciuffo’s name was given to me by the Jehovah’s Witnesses Hospital Liaison Committee I was eager to interview him! Not only did he respect my patient’s...
