Cardiovascular Perfusion Practice in Latin America

A Cross-Sectional Study on Technological Trends, Safety Standards, and Professional Profile

Authors

  • Sandra Acosta Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Colombia. Magister en Epidemiologia. Universidad del Valle.
  • M Cañas Duran Instituto del Corazón. Bucaramanga, Colombia.
  • L Martínez Clínica Los Comuneros. Bucaramanga, Colombia.
  • C Vallejo
  • J.A. Rodríguez Prada Instituto del Corazón. Bucaramanga, Colombia.
  • Alileny Pérez Aleman ALAP. Virginia, Estados Unidos de América.

Keywords:

Extracorporeal Circulation; Continuous Education; Health Human Resources; Risk Management; Surveys and Questionnaires.

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the clinical practice, professional profile, technological availability, and organizational conditions of perfusionists in Latin America.

Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study based on a 47-item structured survey administered to 231 Latin American perfusionists via non-probability convenience sampling with snowball technique. Content validity assessed via I-CVI by expert panel and pilot test (n=12). Internal consistency evaluated with Cronbach's alpha.

Results: Median age 53 years [IQR: 48–59]. 62.8% had >10 years of experience; 65.8% female; 64.5% from nursing background. 56.3% of institutions lack a formal perfusion department; 68.0% had ECMO availability yet 88.5% perform ≤20 cases/year. 80.5% practice without mandatory accreditation. 58.0% reported high or very high work-related stress.

Conclusions: Structural and organizational heterogeneity characterizes cardiovascular perfusion practice in Latin America, with a gap between technological availability and clinical experience volume. Formal regulatory frameworks, institutional departments, and continuing education programs are urgently needed

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Published

2026-07-22

How to Cite

Acosta, S., Cañas Duran, M., Martínez, L., Vallejo, C., Rodríguez Prada, J., & Pérez Aleman, A. (2026). Cardiovascular Perfusion Practice in Latin America: A Cross-Sectional Study on Technological Trends, Safety Standards, and Professional Profile. Revista En Bomba, 10(1), 13–24. Retrieved from https://www.revistaenbombaalap.org/index.php/bomba/article/view/221

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Artículo original

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Sandra Acosta

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

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