The medical professionals involved in bloodless surgery programs are many and come from various backgrounds in medical science. Everyone knows that the teams consist of highly skilled surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists. But who are the less visible, ancillary members of the team whose expertise is in the operation and function of the high tech machinery in the OR? They are none other than perfusionists. These skilled individuals are essential personnel in surgery and especially in bloodless surgery. Let's take a look at who they are and what they do.
What is a Perfusionist?
A perfusionist is a health care professional who specializes in the operation of of the heart-lung machines in cardio-thoracic surgery. The heart-lung machine keeps the patient alive by pumping oxygenated blood throughout the operation. The perfusionist also closely monitors the patient's circulatory status and advises the team of any changes. This involves monitoring the oxygen and carbon dioxide for critical changes.
The perfusionists may also be involved in other types of surgery as well.
Source:
"Bloodless Cardiac Surgery: 'What is a perfusionist, what is his role in bloodless medicine?'
http://www.bloodlessmed.org/
What is a Perfusionist?
A perfusionist is a health care professional who specializes in the operation of of the heart-lung machines in cardio-thoracic surgery. The heart-lung machine keeps the patient alive by pumping oxygenated blood throughout the operation. The perfusionist also closely monitors the patient's circulatory status and advises the team of any changes. This involves monitoring the oxygen and carbon dioxide for critical changes.They are also involved in the insertion and operation of (VAD) ventricular assist devices or artificial hearts. The job of the VAD is to pump blood for the weakened left ventricle, the main pumping chamber which pumps blood to the rest of the body.
Source:
"Bloodless Cardiac Surgery: 'What is a perfusionist, what is his role in bloodless medicine?'
http://www.bloodlessmed.org/
