Üsküdar University’s Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Perfusion, in collaboration with the Perfusion Club under the Department of Health, Culture, and Sports (HCS), organized the “November Scientific Meeting.” The event focused on modern systems and practical experiences used in the field of perfusion. Presentations addressed the contributions of mini extracorporeal circulation systems to patient recovery, the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork, and the life-saving role of ECMO devices in emergency situations, supported by real clinical examples.
The meeting was held at the İbni Sina Auditorium on Üsküdar University’s NP Health Campus.
It was chaired by Prof. Ali Kocailik, Head of the Department of Perfusion at the Faculty of Health Sciences, and Prof. Denyan Mansuroğlu, Cardiovascular Surgery Specialist at Yeni Yüzyıl University Gaziosmanpaşa Hospital.
Speakers included Perfusionist Muhammed Cavcav, Perfusionist Ali Akkan, and Perfusionist Zeynep Averbek Arslan, while Perfusionist Mustafa Erkan, Perfusionist Tarık Demir, and Perfusionist İsmail Yerli participated as panelists.
Hybrid approaches in complex cases
The event began with an online ELSO webinar focusing on post-cardiotomy ECMO applications, moderated by Mirko Belliato.
Silvia Mariani discussed ECMO indications and intensive care management, while Anne Schaefer shared insights on hybrid approaches and challenging case presentations. Participants learned about the crucial role of timely decision-making and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in ECMO management.
Perfusionist Muhammed Cavcav: “We use this system successfully”
In his presentation titled “MIECC and Midcab: The First Case in Türkiye,” Perfusionist Cavcav explained, “The mini extracorporeal circulation (MIECC) system, which is a closed bypass method, accelerates patient recovery, reduces infection risk, and shortens hospital stays. Since the blood interacts with fewer surfaces outside the body, bleeding and hemodilution are reduced, liver functions are preserved, and patients can return to their normal lives more quickly. We successfully use this system in aortic valve, mitral valve, and tricuspid valve surgeries in our clinic, achieving increasingly efficient results with each case.”
Perfusionist Ali Akkan: “Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential”
Perfusionist Ali Akkan delivered a presentation titled “Postoperative Cardiac Arrest After CABG and ECMO Support.” He said, “This is the S5 device we use. There was also a strong multidisciplinary collaboration involved, which is extremely important. Such a process cannot be handled solely by perfusion, anesthesia, or surgery. While the anesthesia team managed ventilation and medication, we as perfusionists maintained circulation and oxygenation. The surgical team performed rapid cannulation and selected the appropriate equipment, managing the most critical steps of the procedure.”
Perfusionist Zeynep Avarberk Arslan: “Circulatory and oxygen support provided through ECMO”
In her presentation titled “Removal of a Foreign Object from the Trachea with ECMO Support,” Perfusionist Zeynep Avarberk Arslan explained, “We used the ECMO device to provide cardiac and pulmonary support for our patient. Since it was an emergency, we connected the device through the heart and major vessels. Circulation and oxygenation were maintained through the system. Initially, we provided full oxygen support and gradually reduced it as the patient’s condition improved. To prevent blood clotting, we administered a specific medication and regularly monitored the values. This ensured stable circulation and oxygen levels throughout the procedure.”
Following the presentations, a Q&A session was held, during which participants expressed that the event significantly contributed to knowledge sharing in the field of perfusion.
The meeting concluded with a group photo session.