Perfusionists

These members of the surgical team that performs open-heart and other cardiac surgeries set up and operate the heart-lung machine that keeps the patient alive by pumping oxygenated blood throughout the body while the heart is being operated

While the operation is taking place, the perfusionist is in charge of monitoring the patient’s blood circulation and keeping the rest of the surgical team informed of any changes.

They may also use the machine in cases of respiratory failure, and therefore must be capable of thinking independently and responding quickly to emergencies.

Perfusionists are often in charge of providing long-term support of the patient’s circulation after the operation is concluded.