Autotransfusion

Autotransfusion is a medical procedure of transfusion of blood that has been removed from a patient and stored during surgery. This procedure allows the patient's own blood to be used instead of donor blood, reducing the likelihood of complications and risks associated with blood transfusions.

The autotransfusion procedure begins with the collection of the patient's blood during surgery. The blood is collected using a suction system that is used during surgery to remove excess blood from the wound, which can lead to swelling and other complications. The collected blood is then passed through a filtration system that removes bubbles and small blood clots from the blood.

Once filtered, the blood is ready to return to the patient's circulatory system. For this, a special transfusion system is used, which is connected to the patient’s vein. Blood is returned to the patient's bloodstream slowly and in a controlled manner to avoid possible complications.

Autotransfusion can be performed both during surgery and after its completion. During long surgeries that consume large amounts of blood, autotransfusion can be especially beneficial as it saves the patient's blood and avoids the need to use donor blood.

The benefit of autotransfusion is that it reduces the risk of transfusion of foreign blood, which can lead to the development of allergic reactions, infections and other complications. In addition, autotransfusion can reduce the need for donor blood, which is especially important when the supply of donor blood is limited.

In conclusion, autotransfusion is a safe and effective blood transfusion procedure that can be performed either during or after surgery. This procedure allows the patient's own blood to be used, reducing the risk of complications and reducing the need for donor blood.

An autotransfusion procedure is a method of transfusing blood to oneself during a surgical procedure. This is not new, but is still used only occasionally in third world countries. The method has its advantages, disadvantages and risks, which will be discussed below.

Benefits of autotransfusion

Seek Out the "True Truth"

"There are three sides to every story: your side, my side, and the truth. And no one is lying." These words spoken by Hollywood producer Robert Evans hold significant wisdom, particularly for business leaders. In a world filled with diverse perspectives and subjective opinions, it becomes crucial to seek out and discover the "true truth" in order to make informed decisions based on facts rather than personal biases. But what exactly is the "true truth"?

To shed light on the concept of the "true truth," let's delve into a historical event. On July 12, 1998, Brazil suffered a resounding defeat against France in the World Cup final, with a score of 3-0. Prior to the match, Brazil's star player and widely considered the best in the world at the time, Ronaldo, had experienced a seizure. Despite his condition, Ronaldo played in the game but delivered a subpar performance. The loss left the Brazilian public and media in disbelief, fueling suspicions of foul play and corruption.

In response to the controversy, the Brazilian senate launched an investigation to uncover the truth behind Brazil's defeat. Ronaldo was called upon to testify, and during his opening remarks, he uttered a profound statement: "I also hope that my truth pleases you because there are many truths, many truths. It's up to you [the Brazilian Senate Commission] to decide which is the true truth and analyze it afterwards." Ronaldo's words highlight the existence of multiple truths and emphasize the importance of discerning the "true truth" amidst conflicting narratives.

As business leaders, it is incumbent upon us to navigate through the myriad of truths presented to us. We encounter various perspectives and opinions, each person believing their truth to be the ultimate reality. However, as leaders, we must distinguish between subjective truths and objective realities to make informed decisions. So, how can we go about finding the "true truth"?

The first step is to seek out multiple viewpoints. This can be a challenging task, as people tend to gravitate towards those who share similar beliefs. However, as leaders, we must be diligent researchers and historians. Engage directly with customers, employees, and stakeholders to obtain primary source material. Foster relationships with individuals throughout the organization, beyond your immediate reports. Importantly, when faced with an issue or conflict, gather viewpoints from all sides involved. Even if a decision turns out to be incorrect, it is essential to have considered the perspectives of all affected stakeholders.

Listening is another crucial skill in uncovering the "true truth." Surprisingly, many business leaders struggle with active listening despite rating themselves highly in this regard. Sir Francis Bacon's words from centuries ago still hold true today: "Listen not to contradict and disprove, nor to believe and take for granted, nor to find talk and discourse, but to weigh and consider." To enhance your listening skills, remove distractions, summarize what others have said, and create accountability mechanisms to discourage interruptions. Understanding the meaning behind others' words and perspectives is equally vital. Recognize that individuals are expressing their own truths, and respect their beliefs. As leaders, our task is to reflect on their viewpoints, considering why they hold these beliefs and what we can do to address their concerns.

Observation plays a pivotal role in uncovering the "true truth." Often, executives are presented with carefully crafted facades, reminiscent of Potemkin Villages, which conceal the true state of affairs. To overcome this, it is crucial to bypass the surface and observe the reality as it truly exists. Regular visits, surprise inspections, and careful scrutiny of the everyday workings of the organization enable leaders to gain authentic insights. By sidestepping the polished appearances, leaders can discover the actual conditions and make more accurate assessments.

An anecdote can illustrate the significance of seeking multiple viewpoints, listening, and observing. During a sales call, a manager accompanied a salesperson to observe their performance and engage with the customer. While the salesperson appeared exemplary, the truth emerged when the manager spoke privately with the customer. The customer revealed that their previous interactions with the salesperson involved casual non-business conversations, leaving important matters unaddressed. This revelation highlighted the need to uncover the "true truth" by witnessing employees' regular behavior, rather than their performance in exceptional circumstances.

Despite the occasional discomfort that seeking the "true truth" may bring, it is an endeavor that always pays off. In December 2001, the Brazilian Senate Commission published its findings on the 1998 World Cup Final. Their conclusion regarding Brazil's loss was simple yet profound: "we lost because we did not win." This concise statement underscores the need to accept the reality of a situation and move beyond subjective interpretations.

In the realm of business leadership, the pursuit of the "true truth" remains paramount. By seeking multiple viewpoints, listening attentively, and observing diligently, leaders can transcend the realm of personal biases, opinions, and subjective truths. Armed with the "true truth," business leaders can make informed decisions that propel their organizations toward success, guided by objective facts and a comprehensive understandingof the situation at hand. Remember, the journey to uncover the "true truth" requires patience, open-mindedness, and a commitment to seeking clarity amidst the complexities of diverse perspectives.