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What
a Perfusionist does:
A Perfusionist also known as a Clinical
Perfusionist or a Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist,
is a trained allied health professional who uses
artificial blood pumps to propel a patients
blood during open-heart surgery, extracorporeal
life support, and orthopedic and vascular
surgery. During open heart surgery, the
patient’s heart is stopped to allow the cardiac
surgeon to work. When the heart is stopped the
patients blood is diverted into a heart/lung
machine, which oxygenates the blood and returns
it to the patient’s body. The perfusionist who
operates this machine is responsible for
replacing the function of the heart while the
cardiac surgeon operates.
The main duties of the Perfusionist include:
- Operating the heart and lung machine during
surgeries that require cardiopulmonary bypass
e.g. heart bypass surgery, major organ and heart
transplants and heart valve repair. Working
closely with the cardiothoracic surgical team,
including cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists,
surgical technicians and nurses
- Responsible for the circulatory and
respiratory functions of the heart lung machine
- Making it possible for the surgeon to operate
on an unbeating heart
- Allowing the surgical team to carry out their
duties without having to deal with the immediate
needs of the patient
- Monitoring the heart and lung machine closely
when in operation, and taking corrective action
in the event of an emergency
- Keeping the Surgeon and Anesthesiologist
informed
Education & Qualifications:
To become a Perfusionist you will need to
complete a Masters Degree in Perfusion Science.
You will then need to become certified by the
American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP)
by passing the American Board of Cardiovascular
Perfusion certification examination. This
examination comprises of two parts. Part one,
the Perfusion Basic Science Examination, is a
multiple choice examination which covers the
basics of perfusion science and cardiopulmonary
bypass. Part two, the Clinical Applications in
Perfusion Examination, comprises also of
multiple choice questions, based on a series of
clinical scenarios.
Subjects covered by the examinations include:
- Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology,
Pharmacology, Laboratory Analysis, Devices and
Equipment, Quality Assurance, Special Patient
Groups, Clinical Management, Special Procedures
/ Special Techniques, Monitoring and
Catastrophic Events and Device Failure.
Salary & Job Prospects:
Perfusionists earn salaries from $90,000 to
$120,000 per year. The job prospects in this
highly skilled field are excellent, but vary
depending on location, experience, position held
and qualifications. Certification is mandatory
in order to practice. Continuing education is
also necessary to maintain certification.
Find an Allied Health School:
Use the red search box above, to find Allied
Health schools and colleges in your area that
offer perfusionist programs.
Below is a list of some of the various types of
allied health careers / professions: |
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