The “January Scientific Meeting” was held in collaboration with the Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Perfusion and the Perfusion Club, operating under the Department of Health, Culture and Sports (SKS). Within this scope, at the first meeting of 2026, critical issues such as perfusion strategies in minimal invasive surgery (MIDCAB), the effects of cardioplegia management on the post-operative process, and ECMO use in severe burn cases were discussed.
The meeting was held at the Üsküdar University NP Health Campus İbni Sina Auditorium.
The event was chaired by Prof. Dr. Ali Kocailik, Head of the Department of Perfusion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Associate Prof. Dr. Veysel Başar, and Dr. Sezer Yakupoğlu.
At the event, where Perf. Sezer Yakupoğlu, Perf. Kübra Karasu, and Perf. Tansu Tufan participated as speakers, Perf. İsmail Yerli, Perf. Cüneyt İmamoğlu, and Perf. İbrahim Şen served as panelists.
Şevval Sena Aydın: “We are shaping the future of perfusion together”
Şevval Sena Aydın, President of Üsküdar Perfusion Club, who delivered the opening speech of the program, emphasized that the meetings have become a strong tradition. Aydın stated; “The scientific discipline we have maintained without compromise throughout this process is no longer just a series of meetings, but has become a strong signature reflecting our club's determination and vision. With every piece of information shared and every case discussed, we are jointly shaping the future of perfusion.”
Perf. Kübra Karasu: “Vacuum management is vital in minimal surgery”
In the first session, Kübra Karasu, Perfusionist at Kartal Koşuyolu Heart Hospital, who presented on “Perfusion Strategy in MIDCAB Cases”, addressed the responsibilities that minimal invasive methods bring for perfusionists. Karasu stated; “MIDCAB is a method performed via left anterior minithoracotomy as an alternative to conventional sternotomy, offering advantages such as less pain and rapid discharge for the patient. However, the surgeon's limited field of view also poses technical challenges for the perfusionist. Especially in femoral cannulation, where retrograde flow is provided, the use of vacuum-assisted venous drainage (VAVD) is critically important. Cannulation strategies and hemodynamic volume management directly affect the success of the case.”
Perf. Tansu Tufan: “Incorrect cardioplegia management increases cost and mortality”
Tansu Tufan, Perfusionist at Kastamonu Training and Research Hospital, who addressed the topic “Does Cardioplegia Management Affect the Post-operative Process?”, explained the effects of myocardial protection strategies during surgery on the intensive care process. Emphasizing the importance of correct pressure and dosage, Tufan stated; “Good cardioplegia management means minimal inotropic support requirement, low lactate levels, and a short intensive care unit stay. Incorrect management, however, can lead to low cardiac output, the need for an intra-aortic balloon pump, and even ECMO. This situation not only affects patient health but can also increase treatment costs by 8-10 times.”
Dr. Sezer Yakupoğlu: “The 71-day ECMO process is a multidisciplinary triumph”
Dr. Sezer Yakupoğlu from Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital, who presented the case titled “ECMO Use in a Severely Burned Patient with Concurrent Lung Trauma”, shared a success story that is rare in the literature and extremely challenging to manage. Yakupoğlu, describing a 71-day Veno-Venous ECMO process in a patient with 60 percent burns and lung trauma, stated; “ECMO use in burn patients is exceptionally difficult due to the risk of infection and bleeding. However, this process, challenged by complications such as sepsis, kidney failure, and Guillain-Barré syndrome, concluded with a triumph demonstrating the life-saving power of technology, multidisciplinary collaboration, and patience. Our patient's discharge, walking after 9 months, proves the importance of this treatment in selected cases.”
Case experiences were interactively evaluated
Following the presentations, a Q&A session was held. Participants directed their questions regarding cannulation preferences in minimal invasive surgery and complications in ECMO management.
The meeting concluded after a group photo session.