Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
05:39

Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

Published on: May 26, 2023

[Thoracic and cardiovascular surgery in Jehovah's Witness]

Onichi Furuya1, Shinichi Higashiue, Keiji Matsubayashi

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kishiwada Tokushukai Hospital, Kishiwada, Japan.

Kyobu Geka. the Japanese Journal of Thoracic Surgery
|December 4, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This study shows that thoracic and cardiovascular surgeries can be safely performed on Jehovah's Witnesses without blood transfusions. Careful surgical techniques minimized bleeding, leading to successful outcomes in all 15 cases.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Transfusion Medicine

Context:

  • Jehovah's Witnesses' religious beliefs prohibit blood transfusions.
  • This poses a significant challenge for patients requiring cardiac or thoracic vascular operations.
  • Managing these patients necessitates alternative strategies to ensure surgical success and patient safety.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of thoracic and cardiovascular surgeries in Jehovah's Witnesses who refuse blood transfusions.
  • To report outcomes of a series of Jehovah's Witness patients undergoing complex cardiac and thoracic vascular procedures.
  • To highlight the importance of meticulous surgical technique in minimizing blood loss.

Summary:

  • Fifteen Jehovah's Witnesses (ages 43-80) underwent cardiac or thoracic vascular operations, including one emergency and two re-do cases.
  • Pre-operative hemoglobin averaged 12.3 g/dL, dropping to a mean low of 9.2 g/dL post-operatively, and recovering to 11.4 g/dL at discharge.
  • Erythropoietin and serum albumin were used in some cases. All operations were successful with no complications or deaths.

Impact:

  • Demonstrates the feasibility of performing complex thoracic and cardiovascular surgeries on Jehovah's Witnesses without allogeneic blood transfusion.
  • Emphasizes that careful surgical planning and execution are paramount to achieving favorable outcomes.
  • Provides evidence that patient safety and successful surgical results are achievable despite transfusion restrictions.

More Related Videos

Thoracoscopic Extended Right Middle Plus Lower Sleeve Lobectomy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer11:17

Thoracoscopic Extended Right Middle Plus Lower Sleeve Lobectomy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Published on: February 27, 2026

Related Concept Videos

Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis01:26

Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis

Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Thoracic Aorta01:15

Thoracic Aorta

The thoracic section of the aorta begins at the T5 vertebra and extends to the T12 level at the diaphragm, initially progressing through the mediastinum to the left of the spinal column. Throughout its course in the thoracic segment, the thoracic aorta emits various offshoots known collectively as visceral and parietal branches. The branches that predominantly supply blood to visceral organs are termed visceral branches and include bronchial, pericardial, esophageal, and mediastinal arteries,...
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management01:28

Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy may undergo a septal myectomy (Morrow procedure). This procedure involves excising a portion of the hypertrophied septum below the aortic valve using a heart-lung machine to improve blood flow through the LVOT. Effective preoperative and postoperative nursing management ensures successful patient outcomes, minimizes complications, and...
Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure01:25

Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure

Tracheostomy care is an essential nursing skill that involves cleaning and maintaining a tracheostomy tube to prevent infection and other complications. Here's a step-by-step guide explaining each procedure with its rationale. Note that disposable gloves are to be worn at all times and changed as often as needed to maintain a sterile work environment, and to protect both patient and healthcare worker.
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask and...
Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure01:26

Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure

Preoperative ManagementThe primary goals of preoperative management in kidney transplantation are to optimize the patient’s metabolic state and prepare them for surgery through diet adjustments, necessary dialysis, and tailored medical treatment. This phase also involves comprehensive infection screening and patient education about the surgical procedure and postoperative care to improve outcomes and adherence.Medical ManagementA comprehensive evaluation is required for both the living donor...
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...