The PerfWeb Podcast

Join us live for Day 1 of PerfWeb 112 as we explore key topics shaping modern perfusion practice, including Normothermic Regional Perfusion (NRP) concepts, Transfusion strategies, and Ultrafiltration techniques. This session brings together clinical insight, practical discussion, and real-world experience to improve patient care and advance perfusion knowledge. Whether you are a practicing perfusionist, student, ECMO specialist, or...

This podcast clarifies the perfusion umbrella while aligning practitioners' skills with surgeons' demands, offering evidence-based strategies for role optimization. Perfusionists acquire methods to enhance technical execution and team integration, directly contributing to procedural success. This focused discussion delivers applicable value, supporting sustained competence in evolving cardiac care environments. This podcast guest i...

The session starts with a comprehensive review of modalities under the perfusion umbrella, categorizing services ranging from routine cardiopulmonary bypass to specialized support such as venoarterial ECMO for cardiogenic shock or isolated limb perfusion. Speakers discuss regulatory definitions from bodies such as the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP), emphasizing that these modalities extend beyond the operating ro...

PerfWeb 111 Day 1 assesses the potential effects of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) payment policies on perfusionist compensation within hospital systems. This session examines how annual updates to inpatient prospective payment systems and quality-based adjustments constrain hospital budgets, indirectly shaping salary structures and staffing models for cardiovascular perfusion teams. For perfusion leaders, it prov...

PerfWeb 110 – Day 2 examines clinical indications for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and available cannulation options, focusing on evidence-based criteria for initiation in adult patients with refractory cardiac or respiratory failure. This session addresses decision-making in high-acuity scenarios where standard therapies fail, providing perfusionists with tools to assess suitability and select appropriate acces...

PerfWeb 110 – Day 1 focuses on professionalism in managing large perfusion practices and training centers, addressing the unique challenges of high-volume cardiovascular care operations. Speakers examine ethical principles, administrative efficiencies, and educational frameworks that ensure consistent patient safety and team performance amid expanding service lines like extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and complex c...

PerfWeb 109 – Day 2 features Joe Basha and Becky Bolkovac in a practical, honest conversation about what perfusion can be: a job, a vocation, a hobby, or a career—and how the way you frame your work impacts burnout, satisfaction, professionalism, and patient care.

They break down the definitions, discuss real-world pressures like workload and call coverage, and explore why team culture and leadership matter—especi...

PerfWeb 109 – Day 1 continues with a hands-on look at the “Anamotage Table” and how advanced 3D anatomy tools are transforming perfusion education. Host Joe Basha is joined by Ed Delaney (Director, Hofstra Cardiovascular Sciences & Perfusion Medicine / Northwell Health) and Vivian Moreno to explore how real-time cadaver-based visualization enhances anatomy, physiology, circuit planning, and board review.

The d...

PerfWeb 109 – Day 1 kicks off with a deep dive into how VR and AR are reshaping perfusion education. Host Joe Basha is joined by Vivian Moreno, Ed Delaney (Director, Perfusion Services, Northwell Health / Program Director, Hofstra), and Marty de Castro (Chief AI Scientist, VIRMEDEX).

They break down how virtual simulation supports earlier clinical readiness, skill repetition, stress inoculation, and objective performance trac...

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 c...

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...

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 recircula...

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 checklist...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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 stat...