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Get the inside scoop!
Clinical perfusionists are allied health professionals who operate life-sustaining equipment (artificial heart and lungs) during cardiac and vascular surgery. They are expert members of a patient's surgical or medical team who manage and control blood flow outside of the body. This is necessary during open-heart surgery, for example, where the patient's heart is temporarily stopped so that the surgeon can operate on it. The patient's blood is diverted outside the body to a heart/lung machine operated by the perfusionist. In fact, the perfusionist is responsible for maintaining the patient's circulation during the procedure.
Here are some additional responsibilities of a perfusionist:
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operate life support equipment in life-threatening situations such as cardiogenic shock, circulatory collapse, respiratory failure and drowning;
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safely administer intravenous fluids, blood products, medications and anesthetic agents;
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control extravascular fluid volumes through dialysis technology.
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Is this career for you?
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Are you a problem solver? |
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Are you conscientious? |
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Are you reliable? |
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Do you have manual dexterity and mechanical aptitude?
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If so, you might enjoy a rewarding career in clinical perfusion. Perfusionists must also tolerate high stress in "life-or-death" situations as they handle the demands of surgeons and follow detailed instructions.
Want to know more?
Jump over to Day in the Life and spend a "virtual day" with a practicing clinical perfusionist. |
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©2002 UNMC School of Allied Health Professions
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