A Cardiovascular Perfusionist is a specialized healthcare professional responsible for operating the heart-lung machine during cardiac surgeries, ensuring optimal blood circulation and oxygenation while the patient’s heart is temporarily stopped.

Job Description

A Cardiovascular Perfusionist is needed to join our team and support our surgeons during open cardiac surgery. The duties of a Cardiovascular Perfusionist include preparing the required equipment before surgery, keeping an eye on the flow of the patient’s blood during the procedure, and giving medication if required. In the end, you will collaborate with surgeons and other medical specialists to guarantee our patients’ safety during the whole open-heart surgery process.

The following are the responsibilities of a Cardiovascular Perfusionist:

  • Configuring, running, and maintaining sophisticated perfusion apparatus.
  • Keeping an eye on the patient’s blood flow during surgery.
  • Controlling blood levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen.

Principal Responsibilities

  • When there is a considerable loss of blood during an operation, administer intraoperative autotransfusion.
  • During the invasive placement in the operating room, provide technical administration of the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP).
  • Make sure that the ventricular assist devices (VADs) are operating at their best.
  • Give certain patients extracorporeal shunting (VV bypass) of their blood.
  • Provide extracorporeal blood clot removal (AngioVac) care to specific patients who are undergoing a heart attack or lung embolism.
  • For adult, pediatric, and newborn patients with severe cardiac and/or pulmonary insufficiency, provide long-term whole-body circulatory support.

Qualifications and Abilities

  • Solid background as a Cardiovascular Perfusionist or in a related field of work.
  • To become a certified clinical Cardiovascular Perfusionist, one must complete an accredited perfusion technology program or an approved extracorporeal technology certification program through the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion.
  • Qualifications as a Cardiovascular Perfusionist and/or appropriate training.

Commonly Asked Questions

What does a Cardiovascular Perfusionist do?

Cardiovascular Perfusionists operate the heart-lung machine during cardiac surgeries, ensuring blood circulation and oxygenation.

How can one become a Cardiovascular Perfusionist?

Typically, a bachelor’s degree and completion of an accredited perfusion education program are required, followed by certification.

What types of surgeries do Cardiovascular Perfusionists support?

They are involved in a range of surgeries, including open-heart surgeries, heart transplants, and other procedures requiring cardiopulmonary bypass.

How do Cardiovascular Perfusionists ensure patient safety during surgery?

They monitor and regulate blood flow and oxygen levels, minimizing risks and maintaining optimal conditions for the surgical team.

Can I contact a Cardiovascular Perfusionist directly for information or career advice?

Yes, many Cardiovascular Perfusionists are open to sharing insights and advice about the profession. You can reach out through professional networks or healthcare institutions.