Perfusionist

Urgently Required

Perfusionist

Experience :  1 to 5 years

No of vacancies :  1

Job Description: A Perfusionist, also known as a Clinical Perfusionist or Cardiovascular Perfusionist, is a specialized healthcare professional responsible for operating the heart-lung machine during cardiac surgery and other surgeries that require cardiopulmonary bypass. They play a critical role in the surgical team, ensuring that the patient’s blood continues to circulate and receive oxygen while the heart is stopped. Perfusionists are also involved in other procedures requiring extracorporeal circulation or blood manipulation, including long-term support of patients with cardiac or respiratory failure, and certain treatments for cancer.

Key Responsibilities: Operate Heart-Lung Machine: Manage the heart-lung machine during surgery, monitoring the patient’s physiological status and making adjustments as necessary to maintain stable circulatory and respiratory functions.
Blood Management: Administer blood products and medications through the cardiopulmonary circuit, manage coagulation, and oversee blood conservation techniques.
Patient Monitoring: Closely monitor and interpret patient data, such as blood gas analysis, hemodynamic variables, and coagulation parameters, adjusting the perfusion plan as needed.
Equipment Preparation and Management: Prepare and assemble the perfusion equipment and extracorporeal circuits. Ensure all devices are in proper working order and sterilized according to protocols.
Collaboration with Surgical Team: Work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses to provide a comprehensive care approach, communicating any changes in the patient’s status during the procedure.
Postoperative Support: Participate in the management of patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or ventricular assist devices (VADs) post-surgery, including monitoring and troubleshooting these systems.
Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and detailed medical records related to the perfusion process, including the use of perfusion-related equipment and patient responses.
Continuing Education: Stay abreast of advancements in perfusion technology and techniques, participating in continuous education and training.

Education Qualifications: Educational Background: Completion of a bachelor’s degree followed by a specialized perfusion training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Certification: Certification through the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) as a Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP) is required, which entails passing a certification exam and completing a clinical perfusion program.
Experience: Clinical experience during training, followed by ongoing professional development in perfusion techniques and technologies.
Skills: Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, ability to work under pressure, manual dexterity, and excellent communication skills.

Key Attributes: Decision-Making: The ability to make quick and informed decisions in a high-pressure environment, particularly during surgical procedures.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to manage complex equipment and monitor patient status effectively.
Stamina: Physical stamina to stand for extended periods during surgeries and the emotional resilience to handle the pressures of the operating room.
Teamwork: Excellent teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with the entire surgical team, contributing to a cohesive patient care approach.
Adaptability: The capacity to adapt to new technologies and procedures in the rapidly evolving field of cardiovascular perfusion.

About the Role: Perfusionists hold a unique and vital role within the cardiac surgical team, contributing directly to patient survival during some of the most complex surgical procedures. The role demands a high level of expertise, dedication, and the ability to work in an intense, fast-paced environment. This career path offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on patients’ lives, working at the cutting edge of cardiac care and technology. It is suited for individuals who are passionate about the cardiovascular field, enjoy working in a team, and are looking for a challenging yet rewarding career in healthcare.