When blood is not an option: Care of the jehovah's witness patient

Abstract

Fifty eight-year-old female Jehovah's Witness with medical history significant for ESRD not yet on dialysis, COPD, presenting with worsening shortness of breath, found to have severe mitral regurgitation and severe tricuspid regurgitation. After consultation with surgeons, decision was made to proceed with an open mitral valve and tricuspid valve replacements. She is referred to pre-surgical testing for medical and surgical optimization prior to surgery.