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Forward4th Annual MCSPERFCON Perioperative Mechanical Circulatory Support & Perfusion Symposium
September 25, 2026 - September 26, 2026
TMC3 Helix Park
7255 Helix Park Ave, Houston, TX 77030
In-person Conference with virtual option
Needs Statement
Despite substantial advances in mechanical circulatory support (MCS), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and perfusion science, meaningful gaps continue to exist between current evidence-based best practices and their consistent application in perioperative and critical care settings. Clinicians caring for patients with cardiogenic shock, respiratory failure, and complex cardiac disease often face challenges in timely device selection, escalation, troubleshooting, and weaning of MCS modalities, including Intra‑Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP), Impella, Veno‑Arterial/Veno‑Venous/Veno‑Arterio‑Venous (VA, VV, VAV) ECMO, ventricular assist devices, and total artificial hearts. Variability in experience with advanced perfusion strategies, such as goal-directed perfusion, cerebral and organ protection during cardiopulmonary bypass, and perfusion management during complex aortic, congenital, transplant, and TAH procedures, contributes to inconsistent clinical performance and increased risk of complications. Emerging practices related to donor organ preservation, donation after circulatory death, and normothermic regional perfusion further highlight gaps in clinician readiness to adopt evolving standards of care.
Clinicians require targeted education that reinforces physiologic principles and supports informed, real-time clinical decision-making across the perioperative MCS and perfusion continuum. Educational needs include strengthening competence in shock recognition and phenotyping; optimizing oxygen delivery and organ protection through goal-directed perfusion; selecting and managing appropriate MCS and ECMO configurations; and integrating evolving organ preservation and normothermic regional perfusion techniques into clinical practice. In addition, hands-on and simulation-based training is necessary to improve technical skills and confidence in managing high-risk scenarios such as cannulation, circuit failure, recirculation, ventricular distention, differential hypoxia, transport, and device-related complications. Emphasis on interdisciplinary communication and team-based workflows is essential to improve coordination, reduce variability in practice, and enhance patient outcomes for those requiring advanced mechanical circulatory support.
Target Audience
This activity is designed for a multidisciplinary audience involved in the perioperative and critical care management of patients requiring mechanical circulatory support and advanced perfusion strategies, including physicians, perfusionists, advanced practice providers, nurses, fellows, residents, medical students, and other healthcare professionals.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of the conference, participants should be able to:
Apply physiologic principles to recognize, phenotype, and manage cardiogenic and respiratory shock, including appropriate use of pharmacologic therapy and escalation to mechanical circulatory support.
Select, initiate, and manage mechanical circulatory support and ECMO configurations (Intra‑Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP), Impella, Veno‑Arterial/Veno‑Venous/Veno‑Arterio‑Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA/VV/VAV ECMO), Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs), and total artificial heart) based on patient-specific hemodynamics, clinical indications, and goals of care.
Implement goal-directed perfusion and organ protection strategies to optimize oxygen delivery and reduce neurologic, renal, and myocardial complications during cardiopulmonary bypass and complex cardiac surgery.
Integrate contemporary organ preservation and normothermic regional perfusion techniques into donation after circulatory death and transplantation workflows using evidence-based perfusion strategies.
Demonstrate effective troubleshooting, cannulation, weaning, and circuit management skills for MCS and ECMO, utilizing interdisciplinary communication and team-based approaches to improve patient safety and outcomes.
Educational Methods
Lecture, Small group breakout session, Panel discussion, Case study, Skill-based training workshop
Activity Evaluation
Evaluation by questionnaire will address program content, presentation, and possible bias.
Baylor College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Baylor College of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of X.XX AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Price
CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY
Requests for registration refunds must be in writing and received by the Division of Continuing Professional Development (DCPD) at least 10 business days before the activity begins. The date the request is received by the DCPD will be considered the cancellation date. Requests received after the refund deadline will not be processed. Cancellations are subject to a $50 administrative fee deducted from the registration fee paid to cover guarantees and other expenses. Requests should be emailed to the DCPD [email protected].
The DCPD reserves the right to cancel activities, not less than 10 business days before the scheduled date, if extenuating circumstances make it necessary. Registrants will be notified at the contact email indicated on the registration form. If an activity is cancelled, DCPD’s liability is limited to the registration fee paid. Note: If payment is made by check, a social security number is required to process the refund.