Perfusion methods under challenging conditions discussed through case analyses

The “December Scientific Meeting” was held through the collaboration of Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Perfusion and the Perfusion Club affiliated with the Department of Health, Culture and Sports (HCS). The meeting addressed many critical topics, ranging from blood conservation methods in open heart surgery to minimally invasive surgery, perfusion management under challenging conditions, and detailed case analyses.

Held at the İbni Sina Auditorium of Üsküdar University NP Health Campus, the meeting was chaired by Prof. Ali Kocailik, Head of the Department of Perfusion at the Faculty of Health Sciences, and Arif Gücü, Faculty Member of the University of Health Sciences and clinician at Sultangazi Haseki Training and Research Hospital Department of Cardiovascular Surgery.

Perfusionist Serkan Cini, Perfusionist Büşra Nur Karavar, and Perfusionist Resul Çalış participated as speakers, while Perfusionist Tarık Demir, Perfusionist İsmail Yerli, and Perfusionist Serkan Polat took part as panelists.

Şevval Sena Aydın: “Experience is the strongest foundation for our future”

In her opening speech, Perfusion Club President Şevval Sena Aydın emphasized that the meetings have evolved into a sustainable platform for professional development. Stating that this continuity is not merely a matter of scheduling discipline, Aydın said:

“As students who are still at the beginning of this journey, we believe that blending our theoretical knowledge with the invaluable field experience of esteemed professionals like you forms the strongest foundation for our future. We are determined to add one more brick to our professional development every month.”

Perfusionist Serkan Cini: “We managed to keep hemoglobin levels significantly higher”

Perfusionist Serkan Cini from Demiroğlu Bilim University Şişli Florence Nightingale Hospital discussed techniques to prevent hemodilutional anemia in open heart surgery in his presentation titled “Retrograde Autologous Priming (RAP).” Sharing the results of their prospective randomized study, Cini stated: “By removing the priming solution and filling the system with the patient’s own blood using the RAP technique, we were able to maintain hemoglobin levels at significantly higher values during surgery. In the group where RAP was applied, the need for blood transfusion was almost reduced to zero. This method should become a standard practice, as it is low cost, safe, and does not impose an additional burden on the patient.”

Perfusionist Büşra Nur Karavar: “Working in a limited space in minimally invasive surgery requires an experienced team”

Perfusionist Büşra Nur Karavar from Memorial Göztepe Hospital highlighted the increased responsibility of perfusionists in surgeries performed through small incisions. Referring to a successful procedure performed on a 48 year old patient, Karavar said: “Working in a limited space in minimally invasive surgery requires an experienced team. Using peripheral cannulation and vacuum assisted venous drainage techniques, we successfully maintained organ perfusion and metabolic stability. The patient’s discharge on the fourth day clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of this strategy in terms of patient comfort and rapid recovery.”

Perfusionist Resul Çalış: “Professional competence reveals itself in times of crisis”

Sharing his experiences in geographically challenging settings outside ideal clinical conditions, Dr. Siyami Ersek Göğüs Kalp ve Damar Cerrahisi Training and Research Hospital Perfusionist and Üsküdar University Instructor Resul Çalış emphasized the vital importance of professional adaptability.

“A perfusionist should not give up when faced with devices lacking oxygen mixers or safety sensors, but instead must produce solutions based on physiological knowledge. Routine checks and safety checklists are essential, but true professional competence lies in the ability to manage unexpected crises and limitations through knowledge and experience. Professional competence reveals itself in times of crisis,” he said.

Case examples discussed interactively

Following the presentations, a question-and-answer panel session was held with panelists Serkan Polat from Memorial Göztepe Hospital, Instructor Tarık Demir, and Instructor İsmail Yerli from Üsküdar University.

Participants had the opportunity to discuss case examples interactively with the panelists.

The meeting concluded with a group photo session.