Ecuador Mission 2026: Seven Cardiac Operations, One Shared Commitment

Editorial | International Perfusion Association

Seven patients, four operating days, and a shared commitment to cardiac care brought the International Perfusion Association back to Cuenca, Ecuador, in October 2026. For IPA’s second mission to Hospital Clínica Latino, twelve visiting volunteers worked alongside Ecuadorian colleagues to provide complex cardiac surgery and continue a partnership established the previous year.

The Ecuador mission 2026 took place October 10–17, with operations performed October 12–15 for patients ages 18 to 65. Every member of the visiting team served without pay, contributing professional expertise and time to a week made possible by cooperation across disciplines, institutions, and borders.

Returning to a partnership in Cuenca

IPA’s first Cuenca mission in 2025 included six cardiac operations and established a collaboration involving IPA volunteers, clinicians from Massachusetts General Hospital, and Ecuadorian colleagues. Returning in 2026 built on that foundation, bringing the total across the two visits to thirteen operations.

The value of returning extends beyond the number of procedures. An established relationship gives visiting volunteers and local professionals an opportunity to work together again, build on prior experience, and coordinate care around the needs of patients at a hospital that serves its community throughout the year. The mission’s work belongs within that continuing local commitment.

Seven operations in four days

The 2026 surgical week included valve replacement, removal of cardiac myxomas, closure of an atrial septal defect, and a combined aortic root and valve replacement with coronary bypass. Two patients underwent repeat cardiac operations.

The range of cases called on the skills of the entire team. The work involved more than scheduling seven operations: each case required preparation, appropriate instruments and supplies, and coordination among the visiting clinicians and hospital staff.

The volunteers behind the care

The visiting group brought together two cardiac surgeons, two anesthesiologists, four perfusionists, three nurses, and one sterile processing professional. Their different responsibilities supported the same patients, with each discipline contributing to the week’s work.

• Cardiac surgery: David D’Alessandro, MD, and Eriberto Michel, MD.
• Anesthesiology: Peter Ochieng, MD, and Robin Schiller, MD, DMD.
• Perfusion: Kenneth Shann, CCP; Matthew Beck, CCP; Iris J. Chacon, RRT, CCP, LP; and Bryan Lich, CCP Emeritus.
• Nursing: Marcia Schleier, RN; Victoria Taylor, RN; and Kathryn Walsh, RN.
• Sterile processing: Jorge Gutierrez, CRCST.

The team included clinicians from Massachusetts General Hospital. All twelve volunteers contributed their time without compensation, and their involvement extended to preparation before departure as well as the work in Cuenca. IPA is grateful for that willingness to serve and for the local colleagues who worked alongside them.

Preparation before the first incision

Four operating days depended on work that began well before the first patient entered the operating room. Proposed cases were reviewed, instruments and perfusion supplies were organized, transport was arranged, and local colleagues helped obtain the heart valves required for surgery.

These practical contributions connected the surgical plan with the resources available at Clínica Latino. Coordinating supplies for a varied case mix required communication across the team and with the professionals who knew the hospital and its local arrangements.

Instrument preparation, sterile processing, and supply organization deserve recognition alongside the more visible work in the operating room. The mission report gives attention to these tasks because the contribution of a volunteer team includes the preparation that helps make the planned care possible.

Local colleagues and care after surgery

Patient care continued beyond the operating room. Clínica Latino highlighted the postoperative work of critical care specialist Dr. Andrés Cárdenas and cardiologist Dr. Vicente Logroño, recognizing the contribution of local professionals after surgery.

IPA also thanks Dr. Telmo Delgado, Pablo Delgado, Dr. Rubén Astudillo, the Clínica Latino staff, and CARDION for their support. The visiting team’s work took place within a wider hospital effort, and the mission depended on the cooperation of colleagues who helped bring the clinical and practical arrangements together.

Corazón a Corazón: recognizing a shared effort

Hospital Clínica Latino recognized the visiting team as the “Corazón a Corazón” brigade, honoring its expertise and commitment. The hospital reported that complex cardiac surgery was provided free of charge.

That recognition belongs to the volunteers, local clinicians, hospital staff, and supporters who contributed to the week. It also acknowledges a relationship renewed through a second visit and the trust placed in the team by patients and their families.

With thanks to our mission supporters

We gratefully recognize the organizations and clinical partners whose support helped make the Ecuador mission possible.

Help support the next mission

IPA’s volunteer community supports cardiac surgical missions, education, and professional collaboration. Donations of funding, equipment, and appropriate medical supplies help connect that commitment with the practical resources needed for patient care.

We thank the individuals, foundations, organizations, and clinical partners whose generosity supported the Ecuador mission 2026. Contributions of professional time are equally central to this work. Together, those efforts help make specialized cardiac care possible through continuing collaboration with local colleagues.

Support IPA’s cardiac surgery missions and help provide equipment, supplies, and mission support for the next patient’s care.