The PerfWeb Podcast

Explore Harlequin Syndrome — differential hypoxemia seen in peripheral VA-ECMO and complex cardiopulmonary bypass cases — in this in-depth perfusion podcast. We define the hemodynamic and respiratory mechanisms behind the syndrome, review monitoring cues, and outline evidence-based approaches to diagnosis and correction. Designed for perfusionists, intensivists, and ECMO teams seeking clarity on a nuanced but critical clinical issue.

The ethics of NRP—current debates, consent, legal/organizational policies, and team communication. Hemodynamic monitoring for the perfusionist—MAP/PPV/SVV, venous oximetry, lactate trends, and practical targets on CPB and ECMO. Learning objectives: Identify the core ethical concerns and guardrails for NRP programs. Build an explicit consent and documentation pathway with the OR/NRP team. Apply a monitoring bundle (flows, pressures, SvO₂, lactate, urine output) to guide decisions. Create checklists for escalation, troubleshooting, and handoff.

Focus: practical ECMO circuit design and live simulations covering configuration choices, tubing and oxygenator selection, flow targets, pressure monitoring, recirculation prevention, anticoagulation, and troubleshooting. Learning objectives: • Build safe ECMO circuits step-by-step. Choose pumps, oxygenators, and tubing to meet patient goals. Set and adjust flow, sweep, and pressures during simulation. Prevent and correct recirculation, chatter, and alarms.

Topics: From underflow to leaving suckers on during protamine—risk, mechanism, and management. IABP and Impella—patient selection, timing, and weaning strategy.

Learning objectives: Recognize perfusion errors around protamine reversal and how to prevent them. Apply a stepwise strategy when flows are low or suckers remain on. Compare IABP and Impella indications, contraindications, and outcomes. Build practical checklists for OR communication and handoff.

When should you use albumin versus crystalloid during cardiopulmonary bypass? This PerfWeb session provides a clear, evidence-informed look at the clinical decision-making behind fluid selection in perfusion. Rather than focusing on which fluid is "better," this webinar explores the indications, physiological impact, and outcome-based reasoning for using albumin or crystalloid in different perfusion scenarios. Ideal for practicing perfusionists, board prep students, and cardiac care professionals, this session offers the clarity needed to make confident fluid choices during bypass and other critical procedures.

Perfusion as a specialty has always evolved in response to advances in cardiac surgery, extracorporeal support, and critical care. This session will explore how future perfusionists may need to redefine their role in healthcare teams. The discussion will focus on technology integration, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive analytics. Participants will consider how these tools may assist perfusionists in real-time decision-making, patient monitoring, and workflow efficiency. Additionally, the session will examine the professional challenges of the next decade: maintaining relevance within a multidisciplinary team, advancing educational pathways, and navigating ethical questions surrounding emerging technologies such as normothermic regional perfusion (NRP), mechanical circulatory support, and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). Future perfusionists must be both technical experts and critical thinkers. They will need to master new tools while maintaining strong clinical judgment in life-saving scenarios. The speaker will also highlight career growth opportunities, including leadership roles in perfusion education, research, and hospital administration.

PerfWeb 105 Day 2 focuses on the impact of hemoglobin on oxygen delivery (DO₂), a fundamental concept in perfusion practice. This session examines the relationship between hemoglobin concentration and systemic oxygen transport, with direct implications for patient safety and clinical decision-making during cardiopulmonary bypass. Designed for practicing perfusionists, board exam candidates, and healthcare professionals, the program blends theory with real-world applications in perfusion. Learning Highlights: The role of hemoglobin in oxygen delivery (DO₂). Physiological principles behind oxygen transport, Strategies to optimize DO₂ during bypass, Clinical relevance of hemoglobin levels in perfusion outcomes.

This PerfWeb session focuses on perfusionist board exam preparation with a live Q&A panel of certified perfusionists. The faculty will answer challenging questions directly related to board certification, offering valuable insights for candidates preparing to enter the field. Additionally, the webinar examines the clinical application of ultrafiltration during cardiopulmonary bypass, highlighting its role in managing fluid status, balancing electrolytes, and reducing inflammatory mediators. Learning Highlights: Panel Q&A: Certified perfusionists answer board exam questions. Ultrafiltration in perfusion practice: clinical applications, Managing fluid balance and reducing inflammatory mediators

Staffing Crisis, and Accountability in Perfusion Practice.

Z-BUF, Staffing Crisis, and Accountability in Perfusion Practice.