International Perfusion Association

Logo

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.

Logo

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.

Logo

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 —

TOF Repair

Comparison of Immediate Outcomes of Pulmonary Valve-Sparing and Transannular Patch Techniques for Correction of Tetralogy of Fallot

This retrospective cohort study compared pulmonary valve-sparing and transannular patch techniques for correcting Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) in 102 pediatric patients. The study found that the valve-sparing approach led to shorter durations of mechanical ventilation, ICU stays, and hospitalization, with fewer complications like arrhythmias. However, transannular patch patients had higher rates of severe pulmonary regurgitation. Weight was identified as an independent predictor of ventilation duration.

READ MORE
Cold Platelets

Delayed Cold-Stored vs. Room Temperature Stored Platelet Transfusions in Bleeding Adult Cardiac Surgery Patients—A Randomized Multicentre Pilot Study (PLTS-1)

This study investigates the feasibility of using delayed cold-stored platelets (DCSP) compared to standard room-temperature platelets (RTP) in bleeding cardiac surgery patients. DCSP, stored initially at 22°C and then refrigerated, may address platelet supply challenges by extending shelf life and enhancing hemostatic activity. The multicentre pilot aims to assess recruitment, adherence, and product availability to inform a future definitive trial. The trial could improve transfusion logistics and patient outcomes.

READ MORE
Transfusion 102

The Effects of Blood Cell Salvage on Transfusion Requirements After Decannulation from Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: An Emulated Trial Analysis

This study investigates the impact of blood cell salvage (BCS) during veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) decannulation on transfusion needs. Using an emulated trial with 841 patients, the results showed BCS reduced transfusions of packed red blood cells (PRBC) and increased hemoglobin levels without affecting inflammatory or coagulation markers. These findings suggest BCS is an effective strategy for minimizing transfusion-related complications in VV-ECMO decannulation.

READ MORE