During recent missions to Peru and Uganda, CardioStart perfusionists were grateful to receive a large donation of cardioplegia solution from Essential Pharmaceuticals, LLC. This vital solution protects the heart muscle during complex cardiac surgery.

Essential Pharmaceuticals is a leader in the market of life-saving pharmaceuticals provided for the care Perfusionists in Uganda of transplants and transplant recipients.  One of their products, Custodiol HTK, has been adapted for the use of cardiac surgery and is particularly helpful during CardioStart’s missions which demand efficient and reliable yet simple delivery methods.  CardioStart volunteer perfusionists have worked hand-in-hand with Peruvian and Ugandan perfusionists to offer pro-bono surgeries to critically-ill patients in South America and Africa.  In both locations, cardiac preservation was achieved through the use of Custodiol HTK.  It was implemented easily, and provided excellent myocardial protection for extended periods of time with a rapid and spontaneous transition to a normal sinus rhythm once the heart was reperfused.

CardioStart extends a heartfelt “thank you” to Allan Weber, Denise Weber and the staff of Essential Pharmaceuticals who helped prove that we can all make an impact on the lives of others.