Philanthropy, Passion & Education International Perfusion Association The International Perfusion Association (IPA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to enhancing education and supporting global cardiac surgery initiatives. Our mission is to amplify our philanthropic efforts by organizing cardiac surgery missions, assisting those engaged in similar endeavors, and bolstering local educational programs. We welcome individuals who are eager to make a meaningful difference in the world to join us in our cause. Make a Donation
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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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Ecuador Mission

The IPA is working with Harvard / MGH to expand their heart surgery mission program in Ecuador. We have a mission trip planned for October 2026. 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.

700+ Patients

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 —

Bright Operating Room Scene for Normoxic vs Hyperoxic CABG Reperfusion

Normoxic versus Hyperoxic Reperfusion: A Retrospective Study of Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury in Patients Undergoing On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

This retrospective study compared normoxic and hyperoxic reperfusion strategies in 50 patients undergoing elective on-pump CABG. Although oxygen delivery was similar between groups, normoxic management was associated with lower postoperative myocardial injury, better cardiac index, smaller declines in ejection fraction, and lower oxidative stress. The findings suggest that physiology-guided oxygenation may reduce ischemia–reperfusion injury during cardiopulmonary bypass.

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The Impact of Re-operation on Aortic Arch Reconstructive Surgery

The Impact of Re-operation on Aortic Arch Reconstructive Surgery: Evidence from a Multicentre, National Registry

This multicenter Canadian registry study examined 2,481 patients who underwent aortic arch reconstruction between 2002 and 2021, including 374 redo cases after prior open-heart surgery. Despite a higher comorbidity burden, redo surgery was not associated with significantly higher overall operative mortality or major morbidity than primary surgery. Risk increased with older age, acute dissection or rupture, and longer cardiopulmonary bypass time.

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AI-Driven Cardiac Surgery Future

Artificial Intelligence in Adult Cardiovascular Medicine and Surgery: Real-World Deployments and Outcomes

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming adult cardiovascular medicine and surgery by enhancing diagnostics, surgical planning, intraoperative precision, and postoperative monitoring. Tools such as AI-ECG, automated imaging, and predictive analytics improve risk stratification and outcomes. While real-world deployments show promise, challenges including data quality, bias, and limited prospective validation remain barriers to widespread adoption.

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ECMO Anticoagulation Innovation in Critical Care

Alternate and Emerging Anticoagulation Strategies for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Scoping Review

This scoping review maps the evidence on ECMO anticoagulation strategies beyond unfractionated heparin. Across 135 included records, direct thrombin inhibitors—especially bivalirudin—were the most studied alternatives, while nafamostat, prostaglandin E1, circuit modifications, anticoagulation-free protocols, and newer monitoring tools remain emerging areas. The authors conclude that ECMO anticoagulation is shifting toward more personalized, diversified management.

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Bridging the Distance: Pediatric ECMO Access Across America

State and Regional Variation in Access to Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

This geospatial cross-sectional study examined how access to pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation varies across U.S. states and Pediatric Emergency Referral Regions. Researchers identified 258 pediatric ECMO centers and 169 ECPR centers, finding major differences in direct access, especially in rural areas. Although interfacility transport made ECMO access nearly universal in many places, access to ECPR remained very limited for most children.

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Sevoflurane Delivery During Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Estimated End-Tidal Sevoflurane Concentration to Maintain Optimal Anesthetic Depth During Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Meta-Analysis

This meta-analysis examined how much end-tidal sevoflurane is needed to maintain appropriate anesthetic depth during cardiopulmonary bypass. Across five prospective studies involving 129 adults, the pooled estimate was 0.88 vol% for a BIS target of 40–60. Older patients required less sevoflurane, while body temperature did not significantly change dosing needs. The findings offer a practical reference point, although evidence certainty remained limited by heterogeneity and small study sizes.

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