Cardiovascular Perfusion

Successful outcomes in open-heart surgery require close teamwork among surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, perfusionists, and other healthcare professionals. During the procedure, the patient's heart and lungs are temporarily stopped or bypassed to allow the surgeon to perform cardiac repair safely.

During this period, the patient's respiratory and circulatory functions are maintained by the heart-lung machine (cardiopulmonary bypass machine), which is operated by a perfusionist. Perfusionists are highly trained healthcare professionals who are specially educated to maintain these vital physiological functions until the heart and lungs resume their normal function.

What Is Cardiovascular Perfusion?

Cardiovascular perfusion is a specialized healthcare discipline that focuses primarily on supporting the normal functions of the heart and lungs during open-heart surgery. By temporarily taking over the functions of these organs, cardiopulmonary bypass enables surgeons to operate on a still and bloodless heart, facilitating complex cardiac procedures.

What Does a Cardiovascular Perfusionist Do?

Cardiovascular perfusionists are essential members of the open-heart surgery team. They play the primary role in managing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) by operating the heart-lung machine and its associated equipment.

During open-heart surgery, perfusionists are responsible for continuously monitoring the patient's blood circulation, oxygenation, body temperature, and other vital physiological parameters. They also administer intravenous fluids, blood products, and medications as required throughout the procedure.

In addition, perfusionists are specialists in the operation and management of advanced mechanical circulatory support devices, including ventricular assist devices (VADs) and intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABPs), which provide critical support for patients with severe cardiac dysfunction.