International Perfusion Association
PerfusionGPT is an AI-powered chatbot based on ChatGPT-4, specifically designed to provide expert knowledge for perfusionists in cardiac surgery. It serves as a critical resource for both clinical decision-making and educational purposes in the field of perfusion.
This survey examines the readiness of on-call and emergency operation rooms for perfusion-related procedures during urgent situations in cardiac surgery. Data from 236 healthcare professionals highlight varied preferences for circuit readiness, influenced by caseload, response times, and other factors. The study underscores the need for standardized protocols to enhance perfusion safety and improve patient care.
This study compares the accuracy of clinician predictions versus established prognostic scores in determining survival to hospital discharge for patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Conducted from January 2020 to November 2021, the study involved interviews with nurses, perfusionists, and physicians within the first 24 hours of ECMO initiation. The results showed that clinicians, particularly perfusionists and physicians, had better prediction accuracy compared to the RESP and SAVE scores. The findings suggest the potential for developing more accurate prediction tools to guide ECMO eligibility.
This study explores the sterility and function of pre-primed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits in a clinical setting. Conducted at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, the study assessed 107 ECMO circuits between 2019 and 2021, analyzing sterility through culture tests and oxygenator function through parameters like sweep gas flow and FiO2. Results indicated minimal bacterial growth and no significant impact of wet priming on oxygenator function, suggesting pre-priming is safe and effective for rapid ECMO initiation.
The first annual report of the Perfusion Measures and Outcomes (PERForm) registry details patient characteristics and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) practices from 2019 to 2022 across 42 hospitals. Covering data from 40,777 adult patients, the report highlights trends in myocardial protection, glucose, anticoagulation, temperature, anemia, and fluid management. Key findings include the stability of hematocrit levels and increased pump sucker termination before protamine administration, indicating improved compliance with evidence-based guidelines but identifying areas for enhanced patient safety.
This study investigated the efficacy of intravenous amino acids in reducing acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. A total of 3511 patients were randomized to receive either amino acids or a placebo. Results showed a significant reduction in AKI occurrence in the amino acid group (26.9%) compared to the placebo group (31.7%), with a relative risk of 0.85. The severity of AKI and the need for kidney-replacement therapy were also lower in the amino acid group. No major differences in other secondary outcomes or adverse events were observed.
The “Easy Flow Cardiopulmonary Bypass Simulation Model” offers a cost-effective, innovative approach to perfusion training using standard CPB equipment found in operating rooms. Unique features include double reservoirs and two pumps, enhancing skill development, team management, communication, and disaster response training. This model, requiring an instructor, turns theoretical knowledge into practical competence, making it accessible and beneficial for global healthcare education.
This study explores psychological safety within an ECMO retrieval team at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London. By conducting semistructured interviews with consultants, nurses, and perfusionists, researchers identified factors influencing psychological safety. Key findings include the impact of the high-risk environment, structured team processes, and leadership behaviors on team communication and collaboration. Recommendations were made to enhance psychological safety by addressing these factors.
The study examines hospital readmissions in patients with centrifugal-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs), highlighting the commonality and impact on patient outcomes. Analyzing data from 204 patients, 67.7% experienced heart failure (HF)/LVAD-related readmissions, mainly due to major bleeding, infection, HF exacerbation, and neurological dysfunction. Using machine learning models, several pre-, intra-, and post-operative factors were identified as predictors of readmission risk, which can guide strategies to improve patient management and outcomes.
This study focuses on a multidisciplinary quality-improvement intervention to standardize cardiotomy suction practices at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass during coronary artery bypass grafting. Conducted across 32 centers, the initiative showed significant improvements in adherence to recommended practices in Michigan centers compared to non-participating centers, with no adverse effects on clinical outcomes.
