Mumbai – The 26th Annual National Conference of the Indian Society of Extracorporeal Technology (ISECT), ISECTCON 2026, was inaugurated today at Hotel Aurika Mumbai Sky City in the presence of leading cardiac care specialists, perfusionists, healthcare professionals and dignitaries.
Centered on the theme “Next-Gen Perfusion: AI, Robotics, and Personalized Care,” the two-day conference has brought together experts from across India and overseas to discuss how technology is transforming cardiac surgery and critical care.
While the term “heart surgeon” is widely understood, the role of a perfusionist remains largely unknown to the public. A perfusionist is the trained healthcare professional who operates the heart-lung machine during open-heart surgery. When a surgeon temporarily stops the heart to perform a procedure, it is the perfusionist who ensures that oxygen-rich blood continues to circulate throughout the patient’s body. Their role is crucial not only in heart surgeries but also in life-support systems such as ECMO, which supports patients with severe heart or lung failure.
Despite being central to life-saving procedures, perfusionists often work behind the scenes, receiving limited public recognition. ISECTCON 2026 seeks to bridge this awareness gap, while also addressing the need for stronger professional recognition, structured training pathways and wider understanding of perfusion science within India’s healthcare ecosystem.
The scientific sessions on Day 1 focused on advancements in perfusion practice, pediatric cardiac care and the growing integration of Artificial Intelligence and robotics in surgical support systems. A special debate titled “Evidence vs Experience” encouraged open dialogue on balancing data-driven decisions with clinical expertise. The inauguration ceremony also honored senior professionals with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their contribution to the field.
Day 2 will focus on advanced strategies in complex cardiac procedures and the evolving role of ECMO as a bridge to recovery and transplant. A scientific quiz and the society’s General Body Meeting are also part of the program.
Speaking at the inauguration, Ravindra Sawardekar, Organising Secretary, ISECTCON said,“Many people know the heart surgeon who performs the operation, but very few know the perfusionist who keeps the patient alive during that surgery. Artificial Intelligence is not here to replace clinical judgment. It is here to support it. By integrating AI into perfusion systems, we can improve accuracy, enhance patient safety and make faster, better-informed decisions in critical moments. Our responsibility is to adapt, learn and ensure that perfusion-science strengthens patient care.”He further added,“In India, there is a lack of awareness about the important field of perfusion, along with a shortage of trained professionals. With the number of heart surgeries and life-support treatments increasing every year, the demand for perfusionists is rising rapidly. Therefore, it is extremely important to strengthen education and training in this field and ensure clear recognition at the government level.”
The conference is being led by Rajendra Kokane (ISECT President), Loknath Tiwari General Secretary ISECT), Jagannath Kalugade (Organising President), Vikas Mali (Organising Chairman), Ravindra Sawardekar (Organising Secretary), Shashikant Memane (Joint Secretary), Yogesh Ludbe (Treasurer) and Rafique Shaikh (Scientific Committee), along with senior ISECT leadership and executive members.
Located near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Hotel Aurika Mumbai Sky City is hosting hundreds of delegates from across the country for this landmark gathering. As cardiac care becomes increasingly technology-driven, ISECTCON 2026 reinforces a simple but powerful message: behind every successful heart surgery stands a coordinated team, and at the core of that team is the perfusionist, quietly ensuring that life continues to flow.
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