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Outcome after cardiac surgery in Jehovah's Witnesses
Elin Karlsson1,2, Magnus Dalén1,2, Peter Svenarud1,2
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal : SCJ
|June 16, 2026
Summary
Complex cardiac surgery is feasible for Jehovah's Witnesses who refuse blood transfusions. Outcomes are comparable to patients receiving transfusions, demonstrating low risk with blood conservation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Jehovah's Witnesses decline allogenic blood transfusions due to religious beliefs.
- This presents a significant challenge for patients requiring cardiac surgery.
- Alternative strategies are crucial for managing these complex cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of open-heart surgery in Jehovah's Witnesses.
- To compare their results with matched patients who received blood transfusions.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of blood conservation techniques in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 26 Jehovah's Witnesses undergoing open-heart surgery (2010-2025).
- Comparison with age, gender, and procedure-matched control patients.
- Analysis of surgical times, complications, and postoperative hemoglobin levels.
Main Results:
- 27% of Jehovah's Witnesses were initially denied surgery elsewhere due to perceived high risk.
- Early mortality was low (4%) in Jehovah's Witnesses, with no significant differences in surgical parameters or complications compared to controls.
- Postoperative hemoglobin levels and recovery were comparable between groups, with no transfusions in the Jehovah's Witness cohort.
Conclusions:
- Complex cardiac surgery can be performed safely and effectively in Jehovah's Witnesses.
- Blood conservation strategies are essential to minimize risks and optimize outcomes.
- This study supports the feasibility of advanced cardiac procedures for patients with transfusion restrictions.
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