The life-saving practice of whole blood transfusion, a battlefield technique pioneered by the IDF Medical Corps, has made its way into Laniado hospital. This groundbreaking procedure involves directly drawing blood from a donor and transfusing it into a recipient—an approach that has proven invaluable in emergency scenarios.

Recognising its potential, Laniado Hospital recently adopted this method in its operating rooms, marking a significant step in patient care. The innovation was put to the test when a man in his 70s arrived with a severe leg fracture requiring urgent surgery. Complicating matters, the patient had critically low platelet and red blood cell counts, making surgery impossible.

In a rapid response, doctors administered several doses of whole blood, stabilising the patient for the operation. The procedure was a success, preventing a potential amputation.

Dr. Yohai Raviv, an anaesthesiologist who led the case, highlighted the value of this approach: “The IDF Medical Corps has demonstrated the life-saving impact of whole blood transfusions in combat scenarios. Inspired by their success, we decided to implement this method for rare but critical emergencies in the hospital. In this case, it enabled urgent surgery that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible.”

Prof. Zvi Shimoni, Laniado’s medical director, praised the team for their ingenuity: “Creative thinking is essential in saving lives. The use of whole blood in this situation not only saved a limb but also demonstrated our commitment to innovative patient care. This is a shining example of thinking beyond conventional practices to prioritise our patients’ health.”

As battlefield techniques transition to civilian settings, Laniado Hospital is leading the way in bringing life-saving innovations to the forefront of medical care.