What is the perfusionist?

Perfusionist helps cardiotoracal surgery teams during heart and pulmonary operations. Their primary responsibility is to control the heart/lung machine that artificially replaces the heart of a person during the operation. If the patient's heart or pulmonary function is manually stopped during surgery, the perfusion is responsible for this task. The machine used by the perfusionist used by oxygenated blood throughout the body and ensures that the correct circulation continues during surgery. The same piece of device can be used in the case of respiratory failure. Their description of the work may include various administrative duties such as purchase and equipment, the management of the department in which they work and the technique of hiring support if necessary. The perfusion should be a person oriented to people, because it will not only work with patients, but also work directly with nursing staff, anesthesiologists, cardiac and lung surgeons and surgical techniques.

Perfusionist is necessary to concentrate for a long time while maintaining a record of vital characters of the patient during surgery. The surgeon must immediately inform about any changes and be ready to respond quickly to the surgeon's request. They must be in detail, proceed thoroughly and respond well to emergency situations. Perfusionists are obliged to work well under pressure, be able to work well independently and may be needed for patient postoperative support.

Studies show an increase in heart surgery, demand for this occupation is growing rapidly. The new procedure, which is carried out with heart disease, creates the need for more perfusion services around the world. Most perfusionists work in hospitals or large surgical centers; However, work can be found in research facilities together with sales and marketing positions.

6 Programs providingEducation for this line of work ranges from one to four years. Once the student completes the university, they must be oral and written exams have been carried out by the American Cardiovascular Perfusion Council (ABCP). Students in high school who are interested in this area of ​​work can start a lead in their education by completing classes associated with biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, computer skills, algebra and geometry.