Cardiovascular Surgical Assistant

Avant First Assistants is seeking a highly skilled and dependable Cardiovascular Surgical Assistant to join our dedicated team in Houston, Texas. We offer an environment that prioritizes professional growth, a supportive and collaborative culture, and the opportunity to work alongside a respected surgical team. In this role, you will provide critical intraoperative support to cardiovascular surgeons, playing a direct role in optimizing patient outcomes while continuing to develop and refine your clinical expertise in a dynamic, high‑acuity surgical setting.

• Meet patients in the preoperative area to verify informed consent and ensure all required documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant.
• Assist with patient preparation, including positioning, surgical site preparation, and draping in accordance with established procedural, safety, and infection‑control standards.
• Confirm that all required surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment are properly prepared, functional, and immediately available for the procedure.
• Participate in preoperative briefings with the surgical team to review case details, procedural plans, and any anticipated intraoperative considerations.

• Provide direct surgical assistance to the operating physician, including tissue handling, exposure and retraction, hemostasis, suturing, and wound closure as appropriate.
• Apply advanced surgical techniques and utilize specialized instrumentation to support efficient, precise, and safe operative performance.
• Maintain a sterile field throughout the procedure, strictly adhering to aseptic technique and infection prevention protocols.
• Anticipate and respond to intraoperative needs in real time, adapting support to ensure optimal surgical flow and patient safety.

• Assist with patient stabilization and safely transfer the patient from the operating table to the post‑anesthesia care or recovery area.
• Ensure accurate, thorough, and timely documentation of all surgical procedures and intraoperative activities in accordance with regulatory and organizational standards.
• Participate in postoperative debriefings to evaluate outcomes, identify improvement opportunities, and support continuous quality and safety initiatives.

• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) – On‑pump & off‑pump
• Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR) – Mechanical & bioprosthetic
• Mitral Valve Repair – Annuloplasty, leaflet repair
• Mitral Valve Replacement (MVR)
• Tricuspid Valve Repair / Replacement
• Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Repair
• Femoral–Popliteal Bypass (Above & Below Knee)
• Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA)
• Peripheral Vascular Embolectomy / Thrombectomy
• Arteriovenous Fistula or Graft Creation (Dialysis Access)

• Harvest saphenous vein & radial artery
• Perform sternotomy & closure
• Assist with cannulation / decannulation
• Place chest tubes, pacing wires, drains
• Assist with vascular anastomoses

• Must hold a valid and current Texas Medical Board issued Surgical Assistant License.
• Valid and current Certification from a recognized accrediting body such as the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) or the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) is required.
• Active Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications from the American Heart Association (AHA) or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in Cardiovascular surgical assisting in a hospital or an outpatient surgical center.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and proficient medical terminology with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in various surgical specialties, including but not limited to cardiovascular, neurosurgery, orthopedic, general surgery, and minimally invasive procedures.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and problem‑solving skills.
• Foreign MDs must pass TOEFL Test.

$115,000-$140,000 per year