James D. Rawn, M.D. (“Blood Transfusion in Cardiac Surgery: A Silent Epidemic Revisited,” American Heart Association Journal, Jan. 19, 2016) wrote …

“Although the infectious risks of blood transfusion have been successfully minimized, the weight of the evidence increasingly suggests that transfusing less in stable patients could prevent a significant amount of morbidity and mortality. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons/Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists clinical practice guideline provide valuable strategies for minimizing bleeding in the perioperative period. The experience with Jehovah Witnesses demonstrates that when a commitment is made to avoid blood transfusion, the effort is successful in the vast majority of cases. Recognition that blood transfusion poses significant risk for what is frequently an uncertain benefit can inspire a similar level of commitment.”