This is an excellent program with two of the worlds leaders in Thromboelastography (TEG) and Thromboelastography (TEG) interpretation. Julie Wegner, Ph.D. and Dr.
Thromboelastography (TEG) Tracings Pattern Recognition: Advanced Insights from Julie Wegner, PhD, and Dr. Oxana Volod
Introduction to Advanced Thromboelastography Applications
Thromboelastography (TEG) is an indispensable diagnostic tool in hemostasis management, offering real-time insights into clot formation and stability. For experienced perfusionists and clinicians, TEG provides critical data that can guide complex decision-making in surgical and critical care settings. This presentation by Julie Wegner, PhD, and Dr. Oxana Volod dives deep into the nuances of TEG tracings, emphasizing pattern recognition and its implications for patient management.
Critical Analysis of TEG Tracings
The session begins with an in-depth examination of standard TEG tracings, discussing the key indicators such as reaction time (R), clot formation time (K), alpha angle, and maximum amplitude (MA). The expertise of Dr. Wegner and Dr. Volod shines as they dissect various tracing patterns that indicate different hemostatic abnormalities. They provide a seasoned perspective on how to interpret these tracings in the context of patient-specific variables such as underlying coagulopathies, medication influence, and the surgical environment.
Case Studies and Clinical Applications
Leveraging their extensive experience, the speakers present multiple case studies where TEG was pivotal in altering the course of treatment. These include scenarios of acute bleeding in cardiac surgery, management of anticoagulation during liver transplantation, and adjustments in therapy during massive transfusions. Each case study is detailed with step-by-step tracing analyses, demonstrating how subtle changes in the TEG readout led to significant shifts in patient management strategies.
Advanced Techniques in TEG Analysis
Further into the session, advanced techniques in TEG analysis are discussed. This includes the use of derivative TEG technologies such as RapidTEG and functional fibrinogen TEG, which provide quicker and more specific data for certain clinical scenarios. The discussion is geared towards seasoned professionals, emphasizing how these advanced methodologies can be integrated into existing protocols to enhance clinical outcomes.
Implications for Perfusionists
For perfusionists, the mastery of TEG tracings is crucial not only for direct patient care but also for advising surgical teams and managing perioperative care plans. The speakers emphasize the role of the perfusionist in interpreting TEG data, tailoring anticoagulation regimens, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes.
Summary and Continuing Education
The presentation concludes with a summary of key takeaways and considerations for future practice. Dr. Wegner and Dr. Volod encourage ongoing education and engagement with emerging research as TEG technologies and applications continue to evolve. This session is an invaluable resource for perfusionists looking to deepen their expertise in hemostatic monitoring and patient-specific management.
Joseph has been a practicing clinical perfusionist for 40 years. Joseph is the CEO of Houston Extracorporeal Technologies and is the program director of The New Orleans Conference
