International Perfusion Association

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Heart to Heart Mission

For more than 20 years, the IPA has performed life-saving heart surgery on over 400 patients in Santiago, Dominican Republic.

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Honduras Mission

The IPA is working with Duke to expand their heart surgery mission program in Honduras. We have a mission trip planned for mid-May. Stay tuned for more information.

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Your Mission Trip

The IPA will gladly make donations to qualified charitable organizations who perform cardiac surgery mission work for patients in need.

600+

Patients served

Help Mend a Heart!

Every member of our team is an unpaid volunteer, so please take comfort in knowing that 100% of all donated funds go directly to patient care. Your generosity is so very welcome and will help save lives!

— Latest News —

Transplant Heart

Novel Portable Hypothermic Machine Perfusion Preservation Device Enhances Cardiac Viability of Donated Human Hearts

This study investigates a novel portable hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion device, the VP.S ENCORE®, designed to extend preservation times for donated human hearts. Utilizing hearts from 11 brain-dead donors, the research compared the efficacy of preservation across different durations (4, 6, and 8 hours) against standard static cold storage (SCS). Findings indicate that the VP.S ENCORE® significantly maintains cardiac viability and function, matching levels observed in healthy hearts, particularly in 6-hour perfusion scenarios which showed improved ventricular relaxation and reduced inflammation marker expression.

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CABG Hema

Antithrombotic Drug Removal with Hemoadsorption During Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

This study evaluates the efficacy of using a hemoadsorption cartridge to remove antithrombotic drugs during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). Ten patients, predominantly male and with a mean age of 67.4 years, were treated with antithrombotics like ticagrelor and rivaroxaban. Hemoadsorption was integrated into the perioperative management using either a dialysis device or a standalone apheresis pump, showing a mean treatment time of 145 minutes. Results indicated low rates of bleeding, no deaths, or further interventions during a mean follow-up of 19.5 months, demonstrating that this method is feasible and safe.

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Perfusionist Heart

What is Perfusion?

Perfusionists are integral healthcare professionals who operate devices like cardiopulmonary bypass machines during surgeries, especially open-heart operations. These experts manage the artificial blood pumps that maintain circulation, temporarily replacing the heart’s function. They also assemble and manage extracorporeal circulation (ECC) systems which support organ functions outside the body using devices like oxygenators and hemodialysis units. Perfusionists are vital in surgeries for diseases like coronary artery disease, heart failure, and during transplant operations, ensuring the continuation of life-supporting functions.

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