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IPA

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.

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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!
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— Latest News —

Kidneys at Risk During Cardiac Bypass Surgery

Risk Factors for Acute Kidney Injury After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. This systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed 17 observational studies including 33,809 patients to identify key predictors of AKI. Significant risk factors included advanced age, prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass duration, diabetes, intra-aortic balloon pump use, and red blood cell transfusion. Recognizing these risks may help clinicians improve perioperative management and reduce kidney complications after cardiac surgery.

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March 13, 2026
Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Perfusion Staff

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Perfusion Staff in Germany

This nationwide cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among perfusionists working in German cardiac centers. Using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, researchers surveyed 287 professionals. Results showed that 86% reported MSD symptoms within the past year, most commonly in the lower back and neck. Increasing age and years of professional experience were associated with higher prevalence, highlighting the need for ergonomic improvements and occupational health strategies.

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March 11, 2026
Heparin Anticoagulation Management During Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Contemporary Clinical Practices in Anticoagulation Management During Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Europe-Wide Survey

A Europe-wide survey of 114 cardiac surgery centers across 29 countries evaluated current anticoagulation practices during cardiopulmonary bypass. Most centers reported standardized heparin protocols and commonly used a 300 IU/kg initial dose with ACT targets of 400–480 seconds. However, substantial variability existed in protamine reversal strategies, post-reversal ACT targets, and transfusion decision-making, highlighting gaps between guidelines and real-world practice. These findings identify key opportunities for standardizing perioperative anticoagulation management in cardiac surgery. 

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March 10, 2026
Precision Life Support: VV ECMO Management in the Modern ICU

Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Australia and New Zealand Using GRADE Methodology Series Part 1: Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VV ECMO) Indications and Management

This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for the use of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) in adult patients with severe respiratory failure. Developed using the GRADE methodology by experts across Australia and New Zealand, it evaluates indications for ECMO, management strategies, proning during ECMO, and ventilation approaches. Evidence suggests ECMO improves short-term survival in severe hypoxic respiratory failure but carries significant risks and resource demands.

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March 7, 2026
Rethinking Cardiopulmonary Bypass Management

Rethinking Cardiopulmonary Bypass Management in the Digital Health Era

Minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery reduce surgical trauma and speed recovery but often require longer cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) times, increasing risks such as renal injury, neurological complications, and systemic inflammation. This review explores how digital health tools—including continuous physiologic monitoring, machine learning analytics, and digital twin simulations—can transform CPB from a static procedural metric into a dynamically optimized variable, enabling personalized perfusion strategies that improve safety and outcomes in modern cardiac surgery.

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March 7, 2026

The Impact of Intraoperative Fibrinogen Replacement Therapy on the Clinical Outcome of Surgical Therapy for Type A Acute Aortic Dissection 

This retrospective study evaluated the role of fibrinogen replacement therapy (FRT) using fibrinogen concentrate during emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). Among 87 patients, FRT significantly improved postoperative fibrinogen levels and helped maintain hemostasis without increasing complications. Although intraoperative blood loss was higher in the FRT group due to more severe coagulopathy, postoperative bleeding was similar between groups, suggesting FRT effectively stabilizes coagulation during complex aortic surgery.

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March 6, 2026
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