The Cell-Saver program at Northern Light Health in Bangor, Maine, is pioneering a new method of blood recycling. The technology takes blood from patients, cleans it by removing factors like plasma, white blood cells, clotting agents, and platelets, and then returns the red blood cells to the patient. This process reduces time, infection risk, and costs associated with blood transfusions. Northern Light’s Director of Patient Blood Management, Dr. Kael Mikesell, says the technology has significantly reduced the number of transfusions necessary in surgery. The Eastern Maine Medical Center is the second hospital in Maine to offer this program. https://www.wabi.tv reported

Northern Light Health Introduces Innovative Blood Recycling Program

In a move towards sustainable healthcare, Northern Light Health has initiated a program named “Cell-Saver,” designed to recycle patients’ blood. This program, which is one of the first of its kind in Maine, aims to clean and re-use patient’s blood during surgical procedures.

Cell-Saver: A New Approach to Blood Management

Jon Seifert, Northern Light Anesthesia Technician and Patient Blood Management Educator, explained the process. “We collect the blood from the patient, cleanse it to remove elements like plasma, white blood cells, clotting agents, and platelets, and then re-infuse the patient with their own red blood cells.”

The advanced technique of Cell-Saver considerably minimizes the need for blood transfusions, which were previously the only solution to replace lost blood during surgeries.

Benefits of the Cell-Saver Program

Not only does the application of Cell-Saver in the operating room eliminate the possibility of infection and reduce costs associated with blood transfusions, but it also saves time. Dr. Kael Mikesell, Northern Light’s Director of Patient Blood Management, emphasized that the program was developed on the principle that “every drop of a patient’s blood counts.”

“In the midst of surgery, we implement practices like Cell-Saver to avoid blood loss and can replenish the patient with their own blood. This has significantly reduced the necessity for blood transfusions during surgeries at our hospital,” said Dr. Mikesell.

Expanding Patient Options

With the introduction of this program at Northern Light, the second in Maine to do so, patients have more options when it comes to blood management during surgeries. This is particularly beneficial for patients with specific personal preferences regarding blood transfusions.

Seifert expressed his enthusiasm about the program, stating, “It’s wonderful. It’s significantly better for the patient. And we can complete the process in the operating room without worrying about obtaining blood from elsewhere, or potential contamination. The blood comes directly from the patient and goes right back to them.”

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