The Department of Perfusion at Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences stands out not only for its education and scientific research but also for its life-saving practices worldwide. Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Ali Kocailik, Head of the Department of Perfusion, the team holds the unique distinction of being the only one in Türkiye, and one of just 11 teams globally, to take part in intercontinental organ transplantation.
Prof. Kocailik emphasized that what makes this achievement possible is not merely technical equipment but also qualified human resources and a strong academic staff. He noted, “We are not only saving lives, but also training the perfusionists of the future. With our experience, laboratory facilities, and scientific studies, we are pioneers both in our country and internationally.”
The Department of Perfusion at Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences thus attracts attention not only through education and research but also with life-saving applications on a global scale.
Under the leadership of Prof. Ali Kocailik, the team, which is composed of Intensive Care Specialist Dr. Kadir Doğruer and perfusionist Tarık Demir from Üsküdar University, is one of the 11 teams worldwide engaged in intercontinental organ transplantation. Üsküdar University is the only institution in Türkiye whose team participates in such transplants.
The Perfusion Department at Üsküdar University’s Faculty of Health Sciences draws attention not only for its educational and scientific contributions but also for its life-saving practices worldwide. Under the leadership of Prof. Ali Kocailik, the team, which is composed of Intensive Care Specialist Dr. Kadir Doğruer and perfusionist Tarık Demir, is one of just 11 teams in the world performing intercontinental organ transplants. Within Türkiye, Üsküdar University is the only institution with a team operating at this level.
Prof. Kocailik described the challenges of this critical process: “Some patients’ hearts and lungs function so poorly that survival without device support is impossible. They live in intensive care, connected to many devices, and cannot even be moved within the hospital for procedures like MRI or CT scans. The only way for these patients to cling to life and undergo transplantation is through extracorporeal life support systems. These systems are operated through perfusion practices, which require advanced knowledge and experience.”
The Üsküdar team began its journey 10 years ago with inter-hospital and intercity transfers. They then took an international step by successfully carrying out organ transplants between Baku–Istanbul and Kosovo–Istanbul. Today, they are recognized globally as one of the rare teams capable of participating in intercontinental flights for organ transplants.
One of only 11 teams worldwide for intercontinental transplants
There are five different categories of organ transplants, ranging from intra-hospital to intercontinental transfers. Yet, the most challenging link in this chain, which is an intercontinental transplant, can only be carried out by 11 teams worldwide. In Türkiye, the only team to achieve this milestone is the expert staff of Üsküdar University’s Department of Perfusion.
Prof. Kocailik highlighted once again: “What makes this achievement possible is not only technical equipment but also qualified human resources and a strong academic team. We are not only saving lives but also training the perfusionists of the future. With our experience, laboratory opportunities, and scientific research, we are pioneers both nationally and internationally.”
With this accomplishment, the Department of Perfusion at Üsküdar University has taken on a role not only in education but also in international healthcare services.
What is perfusion?
Perfusion is the scientific field that ensures a patient’s vital functions are sustained during operations involving the heart and/or major vessels, as well as during heart and/or lung transplants, by using the heart-lung machine throughout surgery. It also contributes significantly to the treatment of critically ill patients with ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) and other extracorporeal life support systems.
Professionals in this field are given the title of perfusionist. To become a perfusionist, one must complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree in perfusion or a graduate degree in perfusion.