PerfWeb 6 - Cardioplegia: Is There a Difference? ECMO: Patient Selection Matters

Navigating the Complexities of Cardioplegia and ECMO: A Comprehensive Guide to Patient Selection with Dr. Eric Skipper

 Introduction

Welcome to another illuminating episode of the PerfWeb webinar series, your trusted hub for high-quality perfusion education, hosted by Joe Basha. In this episode, we are honored to feature Dr. Eric Skipper, a luminary in the fields of cardiac surgery and critical care medicine. Dr. Skipper brings his years of experience to the table to discuss the challenging topics of Cardioplegia, Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), and the ever-important aspect of patient selection for these interventions.

Unpacking Cardioplegia

Cardioplegia is a technique used to induce cardiac arrest during open-heart surgeries. It is a critical aspect of cardiac surgery that ensures the heart remains in a state of suspended animation while surgeons work on it. Dr. Skipper delves into the types of cardioplegia solutions, their indications, and their physiological impacts on the myocardium. This segment serves as a foundation for understanding the complexities involved in selecting the appropriate cardioplegia strategy for different patients.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Unveiled

ECMO is a lifesaving technique that provides respiratory and cardiac support to patients whose heart and lungs are severely compromised. Dr. Skipper elaborates on the types of ECMO, the criteria for initiating ECMO support, and its role in the management of critically ill patients. He also discusses the challenges associated with ECMO management, including anticoagulation strategies and potential complications.

The Art of Patient Selection

One of the most challenging aspects of implementing cardioplegia and ECMO is patient selection. Dr. Skipper demystifies this complex topic by highlighting essential criteria that healthcare providers must consider. These include patient age, co-morbidities, the severity of cardiac or respiratory failure, and the expected outcomes of the intervention. He presents real-world case studies to illustrate these points, making the information immediately applicable to clinical practice.

Who Should Watch?

This webinar is a must-watch for a diverse audience:

• Cardiac Surgeons: Gain insights into the latest trends and techniques in cardioplegia and ECMO.
• Critical Care Physicians: Understand the complexities of patient selection for these high-stakes interventions.
• Perfusionist: Learn the intricacies of managing cardioplegia and ECMO, including anticoagulation strategies and potential complications.
• Nurses and Respiratory Therapists: Get up-to-date information on the frontline management of patients undergoing these interventions.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Adding to its educational richness, this webinar also offers Category 1 CEUs approved by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP). This serves as an excellent opportunity for professionals to keep their knowledge up-to-date while earning valuable CEUs.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, staying abreast of the latest medical techniques is not just beneficial—it's essential. This webinar serves as a comprehensive guide for healthcare professionals involved in cardiac care, providing them with the tools they need to make informed decisions about cardioplegia and ECMO. With contributions from Dr. Eric Skipper, this episode promises to deepen your understanding of these critical interventions and how to select the right patients for them.

Watch Now

Don't miss this unique opportunity to expand your clinical knowledge and earn CEUs.