Acute Normovolemic Hemodilution

What is it?

Acute Normovolemic Hemodilution (ANH) removes some of your blood at the beginning of the surgery. The blood is given back to you when the bleeding has stopped. Usually, you need to be a healthy person to undergo this procedure. Discuss any questions you have with your surgeon or anesthesiologist.

How is it done?

Before your operation, you are put to sleep. During this time, blood is taken from you and is replaced with a fluid that has no human blood components in it. The fluid is added to keep the same amount of liquid in your blood vessels. During the surgery, your blood is put in a container that rocks back and forth to stop the blood from clotting. When the bleeding has stopped from your surgery,the blood taken from you is given back to you through a tube that goes into your blood.

What are the benefits?

ANH may reduce the need for red blood cell transfusions from another donor. By doing so, you lower the risks involved in red blood cell transfusion. You may also benefit by not losing as many red blood cells as you would normally lose during a surgery.

What are the risks or side effects?

This procedure is not suitable for patients who have anemia (i.e. those who have a low number of red blood cells or hemoglobin, which makes it difficult to deliver oxygen to the body).