A perfusionist is a highly skilled Extracorporeal Technologist, specifically trained and educated as a member of the cardiovascular or surgical team. The perfusionist is primarily responsible for the selection, set-up, and operation of the mechanical pumps known as the heart-lung machine. The heart-lung machine (The Pump) and an extra-corporeal circuit (Tubing, Filters & an Oxygenator) will assume the full function of the heart and lungs when the surgical team requires the heart to be stopped (arrested). The patient's blood still circulates in the body however, a small percentage is diverted and circulated through the extra-corporeal circuit. The perfusionist will meticulously manage and adjust the patient's physiological functions for the most optimal performance during the bypass procedure. A perfusionist also performs additional or supportive positions for other surgical operations and teams. These include, ventricular assist devices (VAD), intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP), extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), autotransfusion (cell savers & plasmapherisis), hemodialysis & ultrafiltration, isolated limb perfusion, hemodynamic monitoring, blood gas analysis, blood chemistry analysis/interpretation, anticoagulation & coagulation profiles....
Is this a profession that may interest you? Read more about this perfusion as a career. A letter of Professional Recognition from the AMA to then AmSECT President LeRoy H. Ferries, C.C.P.
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(ecc circuitry * 3M/Cardiovascular/Sarns/CDI)