Event highlights the specialized role of perfusionists in open heart surgeries

Doha, February 19, 2013: Demonstrating its commitment to innovation and sharing best practice, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)'s Cardiothoracic Surgery Department organized and hosted its first Perfusion Day recently.

The event, led by the Heart Hospital's Chairman of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Dr Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, was aimed at educating clinical staff on the specialized role of perfusionists in all open heart surgeries, as well as helping to educate cardiac patients and their caregivers.

Perfusion is concerned with the maintenance of blood circulation to tissues during cardiopulmonary bypass.

Attended by cardiology physicians and surgeons, anesthesiologists, intensive care physicians, nursing staff and technicians, the Perfusion Day was opened by Mrs Samira Al-Maraghi, Chief Clinical Perfusionist and the event's coordinator. "The event aimed to educate HMC clinical staff on the importance of using a perfusionist in open heart surgeries and discussing the latest advances in the field of perfusion science in cardiac and other surgeries," said Mrs Al-Maraghi.

The event hosted Mr Tony Fisher, Head of MSC perfusion course at University of Surrey, UK, who delivered a lecture on "The role of hemodilution and how to reduce it," in order to prevent its potential negative impact during open heart surgeries. He also highlighted the latest techniques used in open heart surgery.

Mr Khalid El-Shoura, an application expert from equipment manufacturers Maquet spoke about the inter-aortic balloon pump. In his presentation, he highlighted the theoretical and practical aspects of the aortic pump normally used to support a heart with a weak muscle during heart surgery and catheter diagnosis.

Mr Christian Shelella, from SciTech Arabia, delivered two lectures, one on Cell Saver and Plasma Sequestration and the other on Innovation & New Developments in Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB).

Mr Shelella observed that myocardial perfusion differs with the physical effort exerted by a person, ie the blood flow to the heart's muscle may be insufficient during physical exertion, whereas it may be normal during rest and relaxation.

A CPB is used for myocardial perfusion, as it performs the blood circulation outside the body during open heart surgeries conducted for coronary artery surgery, valve surgery and congenital heart diseases.

About HMC
Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is the principal public healthcare provider for the State of Qatar. The Corporation manages eight hospitals along with further specialist clinical, educational and research facilities, and is growing in capacity each year around the diverse needs of the evolving population. HMC's ambition is to become an academic health system; a world leading center of excellence in clinical care, medical education and research that transforms into significant clinical advancements.

HMC believes in excellence in healthcare, education and research with each supporting the other to provide world-class quality patient care in a safe and healing environment.

As well as four general hospitals situated in the most densely populated areas of Qatar, HMC also manages four specialist hospitals, looking after patients with the most prevalent conditions, including cancer, heart conditions, rehabilitation, and a hospital providing specialist treatment for women. HMC also operates the national Ambulance Service and a home healthcare service.

The Corporation was the first public healthcare system outside the United States to achieve Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation for all hospitals simultaneously. JCI accreditation is based on quality and safety across all clinical and management functions. HMC is also the first hospital system in the Middle East to achieve institutional accreditation from the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education - International (ACGME-I), which demonstrates excellence in the way medical graduates are trained through residency, internship and fellowship programs.

For more information, please contact:
Corporate Communications Department
Hamad Medical Corporation
Tel. No.: +974 4439 8919
www.hamad.qa

© Press Release 2013