The 26th Annual National Conference of the Indian Society of Extracorporeal Technology (ISECTCON 2026), officially commenced today at the Hotel Aurika Mumbai Sky City, gathering the nation’s premier cardiac care specialists and perfusionists. Centered on the cutting-edge theme, “Next-Gen Perfusion: AI, Robotics, and Personalized Care,” this landmark two-day event brings together healthcare professionals and global experts to explore the transformative role of technology in cardiac surgery and critical care. The inauguration, attended by leading dignitaries, marks a significant milestone in advancing extracorporeal technology and clinical excellence across India.
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.
Day 1 scientific sessions delved into the rapid evolution of perfusion practice, highlighting breakthroughs in pediatric cardiac care and the increasing synergy between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics in surgical support. A highlight of the morning was the spirited “Evidence vs. Experience” debate, which sparked critical dialogue on harmonizing data-driven protocols with seasoned clinical intuition. To conclude the inaugural proceedings, the society hosted a prestigious ceremony honoring veteran practitioners with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their foundational contributions to the field of extracorporeal technology.
The momentum continues into Day 2, with a shift toward advanced strategies for managing complex cardiac procedures and the expanding utility of ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) as a vital bridge to recovery and organ transplantation. Beyond the technical lectures, the final day will feature a high-stakes scientific quiz for attendees and the society’s Annual General Body Meeting to chart the future course of the organization.
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.
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.
