The Feasibility of a National Matching Service for Perfusion Education Program Applicants

As the demand for perfusion education programs (PEPs) grows, many qualified applicants struggle to secure spots due to inconsistent admission processes. This study examines the potential benefits of implementing a national matching service (NMS) for PEP applicants, similar to medical residency matches. By standardizing timelines, eliminating unfair practices, and ensuring efficient applicant-program matching, an NMS could enhance the recruitment process and support the growing need for perfusionists.

March 10, 2025

Development and Validation of a Checklist for Cardiopulmonary Bypass

This study focuses on developing and validating a checklist for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to enhance patient safety and reduce adverse events. Using the Delphi method, five expert perfusionists refined an initial 42-item checklist down to 41 crucial elements. The final checklist standardizes CPB procedures, ensuring systematic verification of equipment and protocols. The study highlights the importance of structured guidelines in improving surgical outcomes and preventing errors.

March 10, 2025

Outcomes in Children Who Undergo Postcardiotomy Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Report From the STS-CHSD

This study evaluates survival outcomes in children who undergo postcardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) following congenital heart surgery. Using data from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database (STS-CHSD), the study found that ECMO initiation over 48 hours post-surgery correlated with the poorest outcomes. Postoperative septicemia, cardiac arrest, and neurological injury were strongly linked to mortality, while reintubation and unplanned noncardiac reoperation improved survival.

February 8, 2025

Comparing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis compared percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for treating non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS). Analyzing data from 15 studies with 48,891 patients, results showed no significant mortality difference between PCI and CABG. However, CABG reduced the risk of myocardial infarction (RR = 0.56) and repeat revascularization (RR = 2.94), while PCI was associated with a lower risk of cerebrovascular accidents (RR = 0.58). These findings emphasize individualized treatment strategies based on patient-specific risk profiles.

November 29, 2024

A Comparative Study of Femoral Artery and Combined Femoral and Axillary Artery Cannulation in Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients

This study investigates the clinical outcomes of two cannulation strategies—femoral artery (FA) cannulation and combined femoral and axillary artery (FA+AA) cannulation—in patients receiving veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) after cardiac surgery. The FA+AA group showed significant benefits in reducing chronic renal failure, platelet drop, and creatinine levels. Despite similar 30-day mortality rates, the combined approach led to fewer complications and faster recovery.

October 5, 2024

Perfusion Measures and Outcomes (PERForm) Registry: First Annual Report

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.

June 23, 2024

Adapting and Applying Student-Centered Learning in a Perfusion Clinical Rotation

This study outlines the transformation of perfusion clinical education from a teacher-centered to a student-centered model. By incorporating reflective practice, self-evaluation, and problem-based learning, the Mayo Clinic’s Perfusion Work Group aims to enhance the clinical training of student perfusionists. Changes include reversing student preceptor evaluations, biweekly student-led educational sessions, and establishing clear skill levels. These methods foster reflective practice, self-assessment, and evidence-based learning, ultimately promoting lifelong reflective perfusionists.

June 22, 2024

Easy Flow: An Eclectic Cardiopulmonary Bypass Simulation Model

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.

June 11, 2024

Clinician Prediction of Survival vs Calculated Prediction Scores in Patients Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

This study compared clinician predictions of survival to hospital discharge versus established ECMO survival prediction scores (RESP and SAVE). Conducted from January 2020 to November 2021, it involved interviews with nurses, perfusionists, and physicians within the first 24 hours of ECMO initiation. Results showed that clinicians, especially perfusionists and physicians, often had more accurate survival predictions than the RESP and SAVE scores. The study highlights the need for improved prediction tools.

June 9, 2024

Psychological Safety in an ECMO Retrieval Team: A Qualitative Study to Inform Improvement

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.

June 1, 2024

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The Feasibility of a National Matching Service for Perfusion Education Program Applicants

Development and Validation of a Checklist for Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Outcomes in Children Who Undergo Postcardiotomy Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Report From the STS-CHSD

Comparing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

A Comparative Study of Femoral Artery and Combined Femoral and Axillary Artery Cannulation in Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients

Perfusion Measures and Outcomes (PERForm) Registry: First Annual Report

Adapting and Applying Student-Centered Learning in a Perfusion Clinical Rotation

Easy Flow: An Eclectic Cardiopulmonary Bypass Simulation Model

Clinician Prediction of Survival vs Calculated Prediction Scores in Patients Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Psychological Safety in an ECMO Retrieval Team: A Qualitative Study to Inform Improvement

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