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Perfusionist
Working under the direction of the surgeon and the anesthesiologist, the perfusionist is a member of the open-heart surgical team. The perfusionist sets up and operates heart-lung machines that temporarily perform the circulatory and respiratory functions of the heart and lungs during surgery. The perfusionist needs to be knowledgeable about the equipment available and the appropriate selection of the equipment and techniques used.
The perfusionist operates the equipment for specific conditions such as total bypass, coronary perfusion, recirculation or partial bypass. The perfusionist then maintains the supply of blood and makes the necessary adjustments to achieve changes in the patient's blood temperature, blood balance and carbon dioxide ratio.
Perfusion procedures involve specialized instrumentation and/or advanced life support techniques and may include a variety of related functions. The perfusionist provides consultation to the physician in the selection of the appropriate equipment and techniques to be used during extracorporeal circulation.
| Some of the other responsibilities include: |
| • | Sterilizing, cleaning and maintaining the equipment |
| • | Monitoring the patient's circulation while being perfused |
| • | Anticipating abnormal situations and taking corrective action |
| • | Informing surgeons and anesthesiologists about patients' conditions |
| • | Providing long-term support of the patient's circulation outside of the operating room |
| • | Administering blood products, anesthetic agents or drugs |
| • | Purchasing supplies and equipment |
Perfusionists are usually employed by hospitals. A few may be hired by individual surgeons or companies which supply hospitals with perfusion services or which manufacture perfusion supplies and equipment. Other areas for employment are research and development or marketing and sales.
Job Outlook
The need for certified perfusionists is growing. Hospitals are now required to have a greater number of perfusionists per number of operations performed.
Educational Requirements
Programs are generally one to two years in length depending upon the program design, objectives, prerequisites and student qualifications. A background in medical technology, respiratory therapy or nursing is required in some programs, as well as a background in the biological sciences.
Some of the courses included in the accredited programs include anatomy, pathology, physiology, chemistry and pharmacology.
Educational Programs - Chicago Area
Other Programs - Midwest
Additional Resources
Accreditation Committee for Perfusion Education
207 N. 25th Avenue
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 582-2227
http://www.abcp.org/
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