What does a Perfusionist do?
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A perfusionist is a medical professional who operates a heart-lung machine during cardiac surgery. The machine takes over the function of the heart and lungs, circulating blood and oxygenating the body.
Perfusionist job duties include:
- Operates and maintains heart-lung machine and other perfusion equipment during open-heart surgery
- Checks patient's blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rate
- Monitors patients' heart rhythm during surgery
- Collects and tests blood samples
- Adjusts fluid levels and blood flow rates
- Injects medications as directed by surgeon
- Transfuses blood and blood products as needed
- Keeps records of procedures and patients' condition
- Maintains sterile environment in operating room
Perfusionist Job Requirements
A perfusionist is a highly trained medical professional who operates the heart-lung machine during open heart surgery. Perfusionists must have a bachelor’s degree in perfusion technology or a related field, and must be certified by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion. Most perfusionists have at least five years of experience working in the operating room.
Perfusionist Skills
- Blood management
- Cardiopulmonary bypass
- ECMO
- Transfusion medicine
- Ventricular assist devices
- Cardiac surgery
- Aortic aneurysm surgery
- Beating heart surgery
- Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery
- Thoracic surgery
- Vascular surgery
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How to become a Perfusionist
A perfusionist is a highly trained medical professional who operates the heart-lung machine during cardiac surgery. Perfusionists are responsible for ensuring that the patient’s blood is properly oxygenated and circulated during surgery, and they also monitor the patient’s vital signs.
Becoming a perfusionist requires completing a four-year bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as biology or physiology, followed by a one-year perfusion program. After completing the educational requirements, perfusionists must obtain certification from the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion.
The best way to prepare for a career as a perfusionist is to get good grades in high school and college coursework in science and math. It is also important to gain experience in the medical field through volunteering or working as a medical assistant. Good communication and interpersonal skills are essential for success as a perfusionist, as is the ability to stay calm under pressure.
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