The PerfWeb Podcast

Joe Basha's PerfWeb #101 — Day 3 — Raging Fireside Chat on Transplant Perfusion Challenges — Perfusion

Stand Your Ground - Raging Fireside Chat

Presenter: J. Basha, CCP, Open to Audience

After two days of transplant deep dives, J. Basha, CCP, hosts a two-hour open chat to wrestle with the big issues—and you’re the spark. This is no passive wrap-up. Bring your takes on NRP ethics, OCS costs, or organ shortages. I’ll share 40 years of perfusion fights, like pushing for innovation when tradition stalled. We’ll spar over opt-out systems, machine perfusion’s price tag, and allocation fairness. It’s a chance to challenge, learn, and grow—perfusionists, coordinators, and anyone. Join the fireside fray to ignite real change.

Joe Basha's PerfWeb #101 — Day 2 — NRP (Normothermic Regional Perfusion) — Perfusion

Mastering NRP for Organ Donation Success NRP is rewriting organ donation rules, and Matt Warhoover, CCP, takes you inside this bold frontier over a two-hour session. Using ECMO or bypass, NRP restarts circulation after circulatory death to recover organs in situ. Warhoover will cover cannulation, perfusion, and the ethics of this gray zone. I’ll weigh in on its promise—like turning DCD into multi-organ wins—and its hurdles. You’ll compare it to standard methods and see its impact on the donor pool. Perfusionists will find new turf here; transplant pros will grasp its potential. Dive in to shape the future of donation.

Joe Basha's PerfWeb #101 — Day 1 — Organ Transplant Availability, Procurement & OCS Insights — Perfusion

Organ Availability for Transplant in the U.S.

Presenter: S. Patel, MD Time: 10:00–11:00

Transplantation saves lives, but the organ shortage is a brutal bottleneck. Dr. S. Patel digs into this crisis, where over 100,000 wait and too many don’t make it. He’ll lay out the stats, policies, and ethics—why donor rates lag and who gets priority. I’ll add my OR view: the highs of a transplant win, the lows when organs don’t come. Dr. Patel will spotlight solutions like opt-out donation and perfusion’s role in preservation. For perfusionists, this ties to our work; for healthcare pros, it’s the big picture. Join us to see how we can close the gap—one organ, one patient at a time.

Organ Procurement Techniques

Presenter: S. Patel, MD Time: 11:00–12:00

Organ procurement is a high-wire act—surgery, timing, and teamwork in a race against ischemia. Dr. S. Patel unveils the process from donor consent to preservation. He’ll detail organ-specific needs—kidneys versus hearts, livers needing extra care—and preservation tricks like cooling and solutions. I’ll share a near-miss when a delayed flight tested our heart transport skills. You’ll get the latest on machine perfusion, too. Perfusionists will prize this; surgeons and coordinators will sync better with it. This session arms you to keep organs viable for their next life.

OCS (Organ Care System)

Presenter: J. Basha, CCP Time: 12:00–13:00

The Organ Care System (OCS) is a transplant revolution, and J. Basha, CCP, shows why it’s a game-changer I’ve seen work wonders. Unlike cold storage, OCS perfuses organs with warm, oxygenated blood, extending viability. Basha will explain its use for hearts, lungs, and livers, and how it rescues borderline organs. I’ll recount an OCS save—a distant heart that beat strong thanks to this tech. Learn setup, monitoring, and troubleshooting to cut ischemic damage. Perfusionists will level up; transplant teams will broaden their reach. See why OCS is the future and how to wield it.

Joe Basha's PerfWeb #100 — Day 3 — Stand Your Ground: Raging Inferno Roundtable on Perfusion Challenges — Perfusion

Stand Your Ground in the Raging Inferno Presenter: J. Basha, CCP, Open to Audience Participation 

After two packed days, we tie it together in a fiery roundtable led by J. Basha, CCP. This isn’t a sit-back session—it’s a gloves-off discussion of PerfWeb 100’s topics, and you’re in the ring. Basha will steer us through RAPP, Hgb thresholds, ultrafiltration, and fluid balance, but your questions and challenges fuel the fire. I’ll toss in tales from 40 years, like when I stood firm against a crystalloid-happy surgeon. We’ll debate: Is there a perfect Hgb cutoff? When is ultrafiltration too much? It’s a chance to learn from peers, experts, and your grit. Students and pros alike will sharpen their edge here. Jump into the inferno—let’s forge stronger practices together.

Joe Basha's PerfWeb #100 — Day 2 — Mastering Ultrafiltration & Fluid Balance in Perfusion; Essential Techniques & Insights — Perfusion

Benefits of Ultrafiltration

Presenter: J. Basha, CCP

Ultrafiltration hit perfusion like a lifeline, giving us control over fluid overload when diuretics alone wouldn’t cut it. J. Basha, CCP, leads this session to show why it’s a cornerstone of my practice after 40 years. Basha will break down how ultrafiltration strips out excess water and solutes via semi-permeable membranes, while keeping proteins and cells intact. It’s not just fluid removal—it’s precision, reducing edema and even inflammatory markers. I’ll recall a heart failure case where ultrafiltration got us off bypass when the odds were grim. You’ll learn the types (conventional, modified, zero-balance), how to weave it into your circuit, and how to dodge pitfalls like hypotension. Perfusionists will find this essential; OR teams will see its teamwork value. Join us to harness ultrafiltration’s power for better outcomes.

Assessment of Patient Fluid Balance and Status

Presenters: S. Patel, MD, J. Basha, CCP

Fluid balance is perfusion’s quiet MVP—nail it, and the case flows; botch it, and you’re in chaos. Dr. S. Patel and J. Basha team up to decode this critical skill over a two-hour deep dive. They’ll cover the tools—CVP, PA pressures, TEE, bioimpedance—and how to read them amid bypass’s wild fluid shifts. I’ll share my go-to signs, like venous oxygen saturation shifts, that scream trouble early. Expect actionable strategies: pre-op prep, intra-op tweaks, and post-op stability, with tips like using albumin for oncotic pressure. This is for perfusionists, anesthesiologists, and surgeons—it’s a team effort.

Joe Basha's PerfWeb #100 —Day 1 — Essential Techniques in Perfusion - RAPP and Hgb Thresholds — Perfusion

RAPP (Retrograde Autologous Prime) Presenter: Samir Patel, MD, Graduate Perfusionist Time: 14:00–15:00 Back when I started in perfusion, priming the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit meant dumping in crystalloid and hoping the patient wouldn’t drown in fluid overload. Then RAPP—Retrograde Autologous Prime—came along and flipped the script. In this session, Dr. Samir Patel, a skilled graduate perfusionist, dives into this game-changing technique that uses the patient’s own blood to prime the circuit, slashing hemodilution and preserving hematocrit. Dr. Patel will walk you through the nuts and bolts: draining venous blood, displacing crystalloid, and reinfusing—all while keeping the patient stable. I’ll share a standout case where RAPP saved the day for a Jehovah’s Witness patient who refused transfusions—proof of its worth. You’ll master cannula placement, pressure control, and timing, plus learn how RAPP cuts transfusion rates and post-op complications. Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran, this lecture will sharpen your skills and show why RAPP’s a must-have in my toolkit Hgb Thresholds Presenter: Samir Patel, MD, Graduate Perfusionist Time: 15:00–16:00 Hemoglobin thresholds have sparked debates for decades. Early in my career, an Hgb below 10 meant grabbing a blood bag—no questions asked. Today, we’re wiser, and the evidence is richer. Dr. Samir Patel tackles this in a session that’s all about balancing oxygen delivery with transfusion risks. He’ll unpack the science of Hgb levels and tissue perfusion, diving into trials and guidelines that shape when we pull the transfusion trigger. I’ll throw in a story of a mid-case Hgb drop to 7, where split-second decisions tested our team. We’ll cover special cases—kids, the elderly, complex patients—and the risks of over- or under-transfusing. This is vital for perfusionists, surgeons, and ICU crews who live these choices daily. Walk away with a sharper eye for Hgb management, backed by Dr. Patel’s expertise and my decades of real-time lessons.

Joe Basha's PerfWeb #99 - Day 3 — Integration of the PrismaFlex CRRT machine into your CMO circuit — Perfusion

Integration of the PrismaFlex CRRT Machine into Your ECMO Circuit: A Comprehensive Review of Pressure/Flow Relationships, Challenges, and Solutions. J. Basha, CCP, promises an in-depth review of integrating the PrismaFlex Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) machine with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) circuits. This comprehensive seminar will cover the technical nuances, benefits, and potential complications of such integration, emphasizing the management of pressure and flow dynamics to ensure optimal performance and patient safety. Participants will learn: The fundamentals of ECMO and CRRT technologies and the rationale behind their integration. Detailed analysis of pressure and flow relationships within the combined ECMO-CRRT circuit, highlighting key parameters for successful operation. Common challenges encountered during integration and practical solutions, derived from real-world case studies and expert experience. Best practices for monitoring and adjusting the integrated system to prevent complications and enhance therapeutic efficacy. This webinar is designed for perfusionists at all stages of their careers, from novices seeking to broaden their knowledge base to seasoned professionals aiming to update their skills with the latest advancements in perfusion technology and practices. It will also benefit cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, and intensive care professionals involved in the care of patients undergoing cardiac surgery and critical care management.

Joe Basha's PerfWeb #99 - Day 2 — Mastering Z-BUF in Hyperkalemia. My Near Misses — Perfusion

Our day begins with a focused exploration into the management of hyperkalemia following the release of aortic cross clamping, a critical phase during cardiac surgery where precision in fluid management can dictate patient outcomes. Led by J. Basha, CCP, a renowned expert in the field of perfusion, this session will dissect the efficacy of Zero-Balance Ultrafiltration (Z-BUF) in managing hyperkalemia, an often-challenging condition that can lead to severe cardiac complications if not managed with expertise and care.

Perfusion has become much safer than years past, however, it remains fraught with dangers. Joe discusses 4 cases that nearly ended in disaster and would likely have been career ending. Despite advancements in safety, the domain of perfusion continues to present significant challenges and risks. In this insightful webinar, Joe Basha will share personal experiences from four distinct scenarios that teetered on the brink of disaster. These narratives not only underscore the inherent dangers in perfusion but also highlight the crucial learnings and preventive strategies that safeguard against potential career-ending mistakes. This session promises to be an invaluable learning experience for perfusionists at any stage in their career, offering lessons in vigilance, preparedness, and the importance of learning from near misses.

Joe Basha's PerfWeb #99-Day 1 — Exploring CPB Physiology & IABP Applications: Essential Insights for Perfusionists — Perfusion

PerfWeb 99 — Day 1, a webinar designed for perfusionists seeking to deepen their understanding and enhance their practice. This webinar is a part of our ongoing effort to provide valuable continuing education opportunities for perfusionists across the USA and Canada. By participating, attendees can earn CEUs towards their professional development and certification maintenance with the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP). Our platform is renowned for hosting the largest knowledge resource for perfusionists worldwide, and we are committed to expanding this treasure trove of information with each event. The webinar is structured into two power-packed sessions, each an hour long, focusing on critical aspects of perfusion technology and its application. These sessions are meticulously designed to cater to both the seasoned practitioner and the emerging perfusion professional. Below is an overview of what to expect: The webinar is structured into two power-packed sessions, each an hour long, focusing on critical aspects of perfusion technology and its application. These sessions are meticulously designed to cater to both the seasoned practitioner and the emerging perfusion professional. Below is an overview of what to expect: IABP for Perfusion Faculty: J. Basha, CCP

Joe Basha's PerfWeb #98—Day 4— Cardiac & Vascular Regulation: The Perfusionist's Role in Ensuring Adequate Perfusion — Perfusion

PerfWeb 98 concludes with a compelling invitation to engage live in a day dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of cardiac and vascular function and refining the art of perfusion measurement. This live event, accredited with 2.4 Category 1 CEUs by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP), promises an interactive and insightful experience, offering a deeper connection to the content and experts leading the sessions. Live Sessions for Real-Time Insight Regulating the Beat: Dynamics of Cardiac and Vascular Function 0800-1000 | Faculty: V. Carlyle, RN, BSN-CCRN Join V. Carlyle, RN, BSN-CCRN, in a live exploration of the heart's intricate regulatory mechanisms. This session will delve into how the heart and blood vessels respond to physiological demands and pathological conditions. Carlyle's live presentation allows for real-time questions and discussions, making complex concepts more accessible and engaging. This interactive approach enhances understanding and application in clinical practice, providing a foundation for perfusionists to optimize patient outcomes. The Art of Perfusion: Ensuring Adequate Perfusion Live 1000-1020 | Faculty: J. Basha, CCP Experience the nuances of perfusion measurement with J. Basha, CCP, in a session that brings the critical role of the perfusionist into sharp focus. Discover live how to assess and ensure adequate perfusion, using state-of-the-art tools and techniques. Basha's presentation will include live demonstrations and real-time discussions, offering participants an unparalleled opportunity to deepen their knowledge and refine their skills in measuring perfusion adequacy. Why Participate Live? Immediate Engagement: Ask questions, share insights, and participate in discussions in real-time, enhancing your learning experience. Expert Access: Interact directly with seasoned professionals, gaining immediate feedback and clarifications on complex topics. Dynamic Learning: Engage with the content actively, making the educational experience more memorable and impactful. Community Connection: Be part of a live community of peers and experts, fostering relationships and collaborations that extend beyond the webinar. Registration Details To experience the full benefits of PerfWeb 98—Day 4, perfusionists are encouraged to register for live participation. This not only ensures access to the real-time interaction but also contributes to a more vibrant and engaging learning environment. Visit the official event website for registration information, including any applicable fees. PerfWeb 98—Day 4 represents a unique opportunity to engage live with leading experts and peers in the field of perfusion. This session is designed to offer an immersive educational experience, where live participation is key to maximizing learning outcomes. Join us live on March 21, 2024, for a day of dynamic exploration and professional growth in the heart of perfusion practice.