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Heart to Heart Mission

For more than 20 years, the IPA has performed life-saving heart surgery on over 400 patients in Santiago, Dominican Republic.

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Honduras Mission

The IPA is working with Duke to expand their heart surgery mission program in Honduras. We have a mission trip planned for mid-May. Stay tuned for more information.

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Your Mission Trip

The IPA will gladly make donations to qualified charitable organizations who perform cardiac surgery mission work for patients in need.

600+

Patients served

Help Mend a Heart!

Every member of our team is an unpaid volunteer, so please take comfort in knowing that 100% of all donated funds go directly to patient care. Your generosity is so very welcome and will help save lives!

— Latest News —

Outcomes of a Standardized Protocol on the Management of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection: A Retrospective Cohort Study

This retrospective study assessed a standardized surgical protocol implemented in 2016 for managing acute Type A aortic dissection (AAAD). Comparing pre- and post-protocol cohorts, the study found that standardized techniques improved consistency in surgical approach, reduced rates of aortic reoperations and dilations, and introduced safer cannulation and perfusion strategies. Mortality rates remained statistically unchanged, but the protocol significantly enhanced surgical outcomes.

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Pulsatile Ventricular Assist Device (PulseCath)

Clinical and Preclinical Evidence on a Novel Percutaneous Pulsatile Ventricular Assist Device (PulseCath): Protocol for a Scoping Review

This protocol outlines a scoping review to explore the clinical and preclinical applications of PulseCath, a novel percutaneous pulsatile ventricular assist device. Designed to bridge the gap between intra-aortic balloon pumps and Impella systems, PulseCath offers intermediate support for patients with hemodynamic instability. The review will systematically evaluate its hemodynamic effects, pathophysiological basis, and safety profile.

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Understanding Del Nido Cardioplegia

Del Nido Cardioplegia in Adult Cardiac Surgery: A Narrative Review

This review explores the use of Del Nido cardioplegia in adult cardiac surgery, originally developed for pediatric use. It outlines its composition, benefits over traditional blood cardioplegia, and its mechanism in protecting the myocardium from ischemia-reperfusion injury. The article compiles data showing its efficacy in reducing cross-clamp times, myocardial injury, and transfusion requirements, with comparable or improved clinical outcomes.

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