An “January Scientific Meeting” was held through the collaboration of the Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences Perfusion Department and the Perfusion Club operating under the Health, Culture and Sports (HCS) Department. Within this scope, at the first meeting of 2026, critical topics such as perfusion strategies in minimally invasive surgery (MIDCAB), the effects of cardioplegia management on the postoperative process, and the use of ECMO in severe burn cases were discussed in depth.
The meeting was held at the İbni Sina Auditorium of the Üsküdar University NP Health Campus.
The event was conducted under the session chairmanship of Faculty of Health Sciences Perfusion Department Head Prof. Ali Kocailik, Assoc. Prof. Veysel Başar, and Dr. Sezer Yakupoğlu.
At the event, where Perf. Sezer Yakupoğlu, Perf. Kübra Karasu, and Perf. Tansu Tufan took part as speakers, Perf. İsmail Yerli, Perf. Cüneyt İmamoğlu, and Perf. İbrahim Şen participated as panelists.
Şevval Sena Aydın: “We are shaping the future of perfusion together”
Delivering the opening speech of the program, Üsküdar Perfusion Club President Şevval Sena Aydın emphasized that these meetings have become a strong tradition. Aydın said: “The scientific discipline that we have maintained without compromise throughout this process has now become not just a series of meetings, but a strong signature reflecting the determination and vision of our club. With every piece of knowledge shared and every case discussed, we are shaping the future of perfusion together.”
Perf. Kübra Karasu: “Vacuum management is vital in minimally invasive surgery”
In the first session, Kartal Koşuyolu Heart Hospital Perfusionist Kübra Karasu delivered her presentation titled “Perfusion Strategy in a MIDCAB Case” and addressed the responsibilities that minimally invasive methods bring from the perspective of the perfusionist. Karasu stated: “MIDCAB is a method performed via left anterior minithoracotomy as an alternative to conventional sternotomy and provides advantages such as less pain and faster discharge for the patient. However, the surgeon’s limited field of view also poses technical challenges for the perfusionist. Especially since retrograde flow is provided in femoral cannulation, the use of vacuum assisted venous drainage (VAVD) is of critical importance. Cannulation strategies and hemodynamic volume management directly affect the success of the case.”
Perf. Tansu Tufan: “Incorrect cardioplegia management increases cost and mortality”
Addressing the topic “Does Cardioplegia Management Affect the Postoperative Process?”, Kastamonu Training and Research Hospital Perfusionist Tansu Tufan explained the effects of myocardial protection strategies during surgery on the intensive care process. Drawing attention to the importance of correct pressure and dosing, Tufan said: “Good cardioplegia management means minimal inotropic need, low lactate levels, and a short intensive care stay. Incorrect management, on the other hand, may lead to low cardiac output, the need for an intra-aortic balloon pump, and even ECMO. This situation can increase not only risks to patient health but also treatment costs by up to eight to ten times.”
Dr. Sezer Yakupoğlu: “A 71 day ECMO process is a multidisciplinary victory”
Presenting the case titled “ECMO Use in a Severely Burned Patient Accompanied by Lung Trauma,” Dr. Sezer Yakupoğlu from Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital shared a success story that is rare in the literature and extremely challenging to manage. Explaining a 71-day Veno Venous ECMO process in a patient with 60 percent burns and lung trauma, Yakupoğlu stated: “The use of ECMO in burn patients is extremely difficult due to the risk of infection and bleeding. However, this process, which was tested by complications such as sepsis, renal failure, and Guillain Barré syndrome, resulted in a victory that demonstrated the lifesaving power of technology, multidisciplinary work, and patience. The fact that our patient was discharged walking after nine months proves the importance of this treatment in selected patients.”
Case experiences were evaluated interactively
Following the presentations, a question-and-answer session was held. Participants directed their questions on cannulation preferences in minimally invasive surgery and complications in ECMO management.
The meeting concluded after a group photo session.