International Perfusion Association

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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 —

VA ECMO

A Comparative Study of Femoral Artery and Combined Femoral and Axillary Artery Cannulation in Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients

This study investigates the clinical outcomes of two cannulation strategies—femoral artery (FA) cannulation and combined femoral and axillary artery (FA+AA) cannulation—in patients receiving veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) after cardiac surgery. The FA+AA group showed significant benefits in reducing chronic renal failure, platelet drop, and creatinine levels. Despite similar 30-day mortality rates, the combined approach led to fewer complications and faster recovery.

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OPCABG 2024

On-Pump or Off-Pump Impact of Diabetic Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: 5-Year Clinical Outcomes

This study evaluates the long-term outcomes of on-pump vs. off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in diabetic patients. A retrospective review of 1,269 patients found that off-pump CABG was associated with a lower 5-year all-cause death rate (4.23% vs. 5.95%) and reduced risks of postoperative stroke and atrial fibrillation. These results suggest potential advantages for diabetic patients undergoing off-pump CABG procedures.

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Protamine 101

Platelet Function Is Preserved After Moderate Cardiopulmonary Bypass Times But Transiently Impaired After Protamine

This study assessed platelet function and numbers in 39 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Platelet function was measured at six different points, including after protamine administration. Results showed no significant impairment of platelet function during CPB. However, platelet function was temporarily reduced after protamine but recovered within 3 hours post-surgery.

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