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Perfusionist
One of the major medical technological breakthroughs of the last 50 years is the development of the heart-lung machine. This was devised to maintain the human body in a living state even when such vital organs as the heart and lungs are not functioning. Removal of carbon dioxide from and the addition of oxygen to the blood takes place as the blood passes through the machine and is then returned to the anesthetized patient. Thus, surgeons now are able to make necessary repairs.
The professional who operates the heart-lung machine during surgery is the perfusionist. These workers are also involved in acquiring patients' blood for temporary storage before surgery. With coronary bypass surgery becoming commonplace, the current focus of advancement in this field involves organ transplantation.
Activities
Perfusionists are trained to carry out a complex, challenging, and extremely responsible job. They use complex, specialized instruments and life-support techniques. Constant monitoring of vital signs is essential to properly managing the physiologic functions of the patient. The perfusionist must be prepared to respond quickly and appropriately to instructions from the surgeon or anesthesiologist.
Training
Bachelor's degree plus 1-2 year perfusionist training program.
Information Source:
Health-Care Careers for the 21st Century, S. and E. Wischnitzer, editors, JIST Publishing, p. 280-281.