Dry Venous Line Initiation and Microemboli Formation in Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Initiating Cardiopulmonary Bypass Using a Dry Venous Line: Implications and Analysis

March 17, 2026 No Comments

This experimental study evaluated the effects of initiating cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with a dry venous line using vacuum-assisted venous drainage (VAVD). Researchers compared gaseous microemboli (GME) production with traditional primed venous lines. Results showed significantly higher GME counts and volumes with dry venous lines, particularly at higher vacuum pressures and instant initiation. Lower vacuum levels and delayed initiation reduced GME generation.

Gradual vs Rapid Cardiopulmonary Bypass Initiation During Cardiac Surgery

A Comparative Study of the Effect of Slow and Rapid Initiation of Cardiopulmonary Pump on Tissue Oxygenation Index and Ischemic Complications

March 16, 2026 No Comments

This randomized, double-blind study compared rapid (30-second) versus slow (180-second) initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during coronary artery bypass surgery. Researchers evaluated cerebral tissue oxygenation, arterial oxygen pressure, hematocrit changes, and postoperative delirium. While tissue oxygenation and hematocrit showed no significant differences, the rapid initiation group had lower arterial oxygen levels and a trend toward higher postoperative delirium rates.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Perfusion Staff in Germany

March 11, 2026 No Comments

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.

Goal-Directed Perfusion Monitoring During Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Mini-Compendium on Goal-Directed Perfusion (GDP): Integrating Hemodynamic and Metabolic Determinants of Oxygen Delivery During Cardiopulmonary Bypass

March 5, 2026 No Comments

This narrative review presents a mini-compendium on Goal-Directed Perfusion (GDP), a physiology-based strategy for optimizing cardiopulmonary bypass. GDP integrates oxygen delivery, metabolic indicators, and perfusion pressure to maintain tissue oxygenation and prevent organ injury. Key variables such as DO₂i, O₂ extraction, CO₂ production, and MAP are combined with time-dose models to detect oxygen debt early and personalize perfusion management.

$Stepwise Rescue Therapy for Refractory Vasoplegia$

Evaluating the Impact of a Standardized Protocol for Managing Refractory Vasoplegia After Cardiopulmonary Bypass

March 2, 2026 No Comments

This single-center pre-post study evaluated a standardized stepwise protocol for refractory vasoplegia after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Compared to provider-directed therapy, the protocol—escalating from methylene blue to angiotensin II and hydroxocobalamin—accelerated norepinephrine-equivalent reduction and reduced vasopressor costs by 26% at 48 hours, without worsening hemodynamic or clinical outcomes.

Nanoscale Impact of Cardiopulmonary Bypass on Red Blood Cells

The Impact of Cardiopulmonary Bypass on the Structure and Mechanics of Red Blood Cells: Pilot Study

March 1, 2026 No Comments

This pilot study evaluated how cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), with and without hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA), affects red blood cell (RBC) morphology, membrane nanostructure, and mechanical properties using atomic force microscopy. In 14 cardiac surgery patients, CPB increased RBC stiffness, while CPB+HCA caused more severe morphological damage and membrane roughness. The findings suggest distinct cellular injury mechanisms depending on perfusion strategy.

Leveraging the Perfusionist-Surgeon Dyad to Improve the Culture of Safety

February 27, 2026 No Comments

This article describes how a cardiac surgery program at Massachusetts General Hospital transformed its operating room culture by leveraging the unique perfusionist-surgeon relationship. By promoting psychological safety, challenging hierarchical assumptions, and implementing structured guidelines, checklists, and multidisciplinary briefings, the team improved communication, recruitment, teamwork, and resilience. The initiative demonstrates how deliberate cultural change enhances safety and performance.

Indexed Delivery of Oxygen Predicts In-Hospital Mortality and Morbidity in Reoperative Adult Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

February 20, 2026 No Comments

This retrospective cohort study of 343 reoperative cardiac surgery patients found that low indexed oxygen delivery (DO₂i) during cardiopulmonary bypass independently predicted in-hospital mortality and major morbidity. A median DO₂i below 289 mL/min/m² was associated with a fourfold increase in mortality risk, higher rates of acute kidney injury, cardiac complications, and prolonged ventilation. Optimizing intraoperative oxygen delivery may improve outcomes in this high-risk population.

Emergency Repair of a Rupturing Ascending Aorta

Circulatory Arrest Time Above 30 Minutes Has Significantly Detrimental Effects on the Outcomes of Type A Aortic Dissection Repair

February 20, 2026 No Comments

This retrospective study of 109 patients undergoing emergent type A aortic dissection repair found that deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) times exceeding 30 minutes were associated with significantly higher 30-day mortality, 12-month mortality, and postoperative stroke rates. Cerebral perfusion strategy did not alter stroke risk. The findings suggest that limiting circulatory arrest to under 30 minutes may improve survival and neurological outcomes.

The Evolving Role of the ECMO Perfusionist

Redefining the Role of Perfusionists in ECMO: From Technical Operators to Clinical Stakeholders

February 19, 2026 No Comments

This letter to the editor argues that perfusionists in ECMO programs should move beyond a narrowly defined technical role and be formally integrated as clinical stakeholders. The authors highlight perfusionists’ expertise in circuit management, anticoagulation, device troubleshooting, and physiology, advocating for their inclusion in ICU rounds, decision-making, quality improvement, and research. Greater integration could improve safety, efficiency, and patient outcomes in complex ECMO care.