Behind every successful heart surgery stands a highly skilled clinical perfusionist. Clinical perfusionists are critical members of the surgical team that play an irreplaceable role in ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes.
Perfusionists: Who we are
Clinical perfusionists are EXPERTS at all aspects of extracorporeal circulatory support and blood conservation management. Clinical Perfusionists devote all aspects of their careers to extracorporeal technologies and have an unmatched passion for cardiopulmonary bypass and ECLS, like ECMO, VADS and IABP support technologies.
Perfusionists are experts in operating such equipment during any medical situation where it is necessary to support or temporarily substitute for the patient’s heart and lung function.
Clinical perfusionists devote their entire career to extracorporeal circulation technologies and become the subject matter experts in all things cardiopulmonary bypass and extracorporeal circulation, including troubleshooting, and dealing with any complications during procedures.
Perfusionists
- Manage the heart-lung machine: This machine takes over the functions of the heart and lungs, allowing surgeons to work without blood flow or movement, whilst keeping a patient alive.
- Monitor and manage vital signs: They meticulously manage the patients haemodynamics, adjusting blood flow, oxygen levels, and medications as needed.
- Are life saving experts: Operating ECMO during emergencies, supporting organ transplants, and managing ventricular assist devices.
- Think critically under pressure: Cardiac surgeries are dynamic, and perfusionists make real-time decisions to ensure patient safety and optimal conditions.
- Are knowledge powerhouses: Anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, physics – you name it, they know it! These multi-talented professionals combine technical expertise with problem-solving and critical thinking.
What services do perfusionists provide?
Perfusion describes the naturally occurring process of blood and oxygen delivery to the organs and tissues of the body.
Perfusionists utilise a heart-lung machine to facilitate blood circulation while the heart is temporarily stopped during heart surgery; and to facilitate blood oxygenation while the patient’s lungs are temporarily stopped. Cardiopulmonary bypass ensures perfusion of the patient’s organs and tissues. During heart surgery, the heart and lungs are bypassed and blood is pumped outside the body through plastic tubes and through an oxygenator – then back into the patient to deliver blood and oxygen to the patient’s organs and tissues.
Most heart operations require the services of a perfusionist to operate the heart-lung bypass machine. Some perfusionists specifically train to work in paediatrics.
Perfusionists play a vital role in:
- Cardiopulmonary bypass during complex cardiac surgery
- ECMO delivery, management, and support in ICU, ED, and CTOT
- Organ preservation and ECMO retrieval
- Organ transplantation, including heart, lung, and liver
- Ventricular Assist Device delivery, management, and support
- Safe delivery of intrathoracic/intraperitoneal chemotherapy
- Intraoperative cell salvage in emergency hemorrhagic cases in various surgical fields such as orthopaedics, obstetrics, neurosurgery, vascular and cardiac procedures.
Why Perfusionists are important.
Cardiac surgery is a delicate and high-risk procedure. A perfusionist’s expertise and focus are crucial for successful outcomes. Their ability to manage the heart-lung bypass machine and maintain vital functions allows surgeons to perform complex repairs with optimal accuracy.
Perfusionists can have a direct and tangible effect to reduce complications and improve patient outcomes.
Where do perfusionists practice?
Perfusionists work primarily in operating rooms at hospitals, specialising in cardiac surgery. However, their role extends beyond the cardiac theatres. They may also be found in:
- Intensive Care Units (ICU) for ECMO initiation and management
- Emergency Departments for emergent ECMO initiation
- General Operating Rooms for blood management and conservation
- Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratories for standby support.
- Research Laboratories (contributing to advancements in perfusion technology)
When will I need a Perfusionist?
If you require cardiac surgery, a skilled perfusionist will be a vital member of your surgical team. Their expertise is crucial for ensuring you receive the necessary support during surgery, promoting a smooth recovery.
