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.

Preoperative Anemia Management and Its Economic Impact on Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Cardiac Surgery

Predictors and Economic Impact of Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Cardiac Surgery: A Simulated Cost Reduction Model for Preoperative Anemia Management

February 16, 2026 No Comments

This retrospective cohort study of 661 elective cardiac surgery patients identified preoperative anemia as the strongest independent predictor of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion (OR 3.67). Transfusion was associated with longer hospital stay, higher infection rates, prolonged ventilation, and a median cost increase of €2264 per patient. A simulation model estimated that eliminating preoperative anemia could prevent 47 transfusions and save €106 429 over 13 months.

Intravenous Lidocaine Infusion During Cardiopulmonary Bypass Cardiac Surgery

Evaluation of the Effect of Intravenous Lidocaine on the Systemic Inflammatory Response Associated With Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Valvular and/or Coronary Cardiac Surgery: Protocol for a Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

February 16, 2026 No Comments

This single-center, double-blind randomized clinical trial (LEONARD Trial) evaluates whether intravenous lidocaine reduces systemic inflammation triggered by cardiopulmonary bypass in elective valvular and/or coronary cardiac surgery. Ninety patients will receive lidocaine or placebo, with IL-6 at 6 hours postoperatively as the primary endpoint. Secondary outcomes include inflammatory biomarkers, organ dysfunction, atrial fibrillation, ICU stay, opioid use, and 30-day mortality.

Restoring Life to the Liver: Normothermic Regional Perfusion in Modern Transplantation

Normothermic Regional Perfusion in Controlled Donation After Circulatory Death: Growing Evidence for Liver Transplantation

February 7, 2026 No Comments

Normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) is reshaping controlled donation after circulatory death (cDCD) liver transplantation. By restoring oxygenated blood flow after death declaration, NRP reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury, lowers rates of early allograft dysfunction and biliary complications, and delivers graft and patient survival comparable to donation after brain death. This review synthesizes expanding global evidence supporting NRP as a new standard.

Minimally Invasive vs Conventional Coronary Bypass Surgery for Multivessel Coronary Disease

June 24, 2025 No Comments

This study compared minimally invasive coronary surgery (MICS-CABG) to traditional sternotomy-based CABG in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. Analyzing matched cohorts of 244 patients each, the research found similar completeness of revascularization and comparable 5-year major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). MICS-CABG also had high graft patency (96.2%) and fewer transfusion needs, indicating it as a viable surgical alternative.

Comparative Efficacy of Blood Salvage Techniques After Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Centrifugation, Modified Ultrafiltration, and Hemobag Systems in Adult Cardiac Surgery

May 20, 2025 No Comments

Four studies explore blood conservation strategies following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in adult cardiac surgery. Techniques like centrifugation (CF), modified ultrafiltration (MUF), and Hemobag (HB) processing vary in their effectiveness. MUF and HB methods consistently reduce postoperative transfusions and improve hematologic markers compared to CF, supporting their broader use in adult cardiac surgical care.

Clinical and Preclinical Evidence on a Novel Percutaneous Pulsatile Ventricular Assist Device (PulseCath): Protocol for a Scoping Review

May 13, 2025 No Comments

This protocol outlines a scoping review to explore the clinical and preclinical applications of PulseCath, a novel percutaneous pulsatile ventricular assist device. Designed to bridge the gap between intra-aortic balloon pumps and Impella systems, PulseCath offers intermediate support for patients with hemodynamic instability. The review will systematically evaluate its hemodynamic effects, pathophysiological basis, and safety profile.

Multicentre Comparison of Various Microaxial Pump Devices as a Bridge to Durable Assist Device Implantation

April 4, 2025 No Comments

This multicentre retrospective study evaluated the effectiveness of different microaxial flow pump (mAFP) devices—mainly Impella CP (3.5 L/min) and Impella 5+ (>5 L/min)—used to stabilize patients with severe heart failure before durable LVAD implantation. High-flow mAFPs were associated with improved hemodynamic support, reduced complications (e.g., renal/liver failure, RVAD use), and better mobilization, although 30-day mortality did not differ significantly between groups.

CytoSorb Filter During Kidney Normothermic

Protocol for a Single-Centre Randomised Pilot Study to Assess the Safety and Feasibility of Adding a CytoSorb Filter During Kidney Normothermic Machine Perfusion to Remove Inflammatory and Immune Mediators Prior to Kidney Transplantation

April 3, 2025 No Comments

This pilot study assesses the safety and feasibility of using a CytoSorb filter during kidney normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) before transplantation. The goal is to reduce inflammation-related damage by filtering immune mediators. Twenty patients will be randomized to receive kidneys preserved with or without the filter. Outcomes include immune gene expression, delayed graft function, and kidney performance at intervals post-transplant.

Comparison of Del Nido and Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate Cardioplegia Solutions: An Animal Study With Prolonged Ischaemia

April 3, 2025 No Comments

This study compares Del Nido (DN) and Bretschneider histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) cardioplegia solutions in a porcine model of prolonged ischaemia. DN demonstrated superior left ventricular function, spontaneous return to sinus rhythm, and less haemodilution and endothelial dysfunction compared to HTK. Histological and biochemical markers of injury, stress, and apoptosis showed no significant differences, suggesting DN offers enhanced myocardial protection during cardiac surgery.