Prolonged Field Care Podcast Prolonged Field Care Podcast 253: Cadaveric Blood Donation
Nov 3, 2025
Patrick Walker, an Army trauma surgeon and program director at Walter Reed, joins Jonathan Wong, a first-year general surgery resident, to delve into the groundbreaking research on cadaveric blood donation. They discuss the critical need for alternative blood supplies in combat situations, the historical context of deceased-donor blood, and significant ethical considerations in this field. Their preliminary findings reveal the potential of cadaveric blood to improve trauma care and emphasize the importance of collaboration for future research advancements.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Blood Is The Limiting Factor In LISCO
- Blood is the critical resource for battlefield casualty survival and current supply systems likely won't meet LISCO demands.
- Cadaveric (deceased donor) blood could be a near-term alternative while engineered blood solutions mature.
Historic Soviet Data Shows Feasibility
- Historical Soviet literature documents thousands of deceased-donor transfusions with low reported reaction rates.
- About 35% of recorded cases were trauma patients, suggesting military relevance.
First Human Use Came From Desperation
- The USSR first transfused deceased-donor blood after a suicide attempt when no donors were available.
- That patient survived and spurred further research and clinical use.