Perfusionist

Responsibilities

• Prepares operating room by setting up equipment for extracorporeal pump for open heart surgery and other medical procedures, including bringing in solutions, blood, medical supplies, filters, and tubes.
• Selects and assembles ancillary supplies and equipment including autotransfusion, ultrafiltration, potassium and calcium analyzer, anticoagulation assay equipment, in-line blood gases, and chemistry monitoring.
• Operates the equipment during clinical open heart surgery and related procedures, including long term circulatory and/or respiratory support, or left and right heart support.
• Checks the proper operation of the extracorporeal pump, including adjusting pump heads, to prevent destruction of blood cells, the proper functioning of component parts and connectors, and the proper electrical functioning of pump accessories.
• Obtains blood, checks type and identification for patient, prepares blood, solutions and components for use in the extracorporeal pump, including sterile tubing, primes all lines, and ensures bubble free lines.
• Performs, uses and analyzes the results from point of care tests and instruments used to monitor coagulation, blood gas and blood chemistry, and hemoglobin and hematocrit, pursuant to an order and under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician.
• Maintains continuous oral communication with the surgeon and anesthesiologist.
• Controls the temperature of the patient by controlling the mechanism for cooling or rewarming the blood.
• Adds drugs to the perfusate during the procedure.
• Keeps records of patient during surgical procedure in relation to perfusion rate, oxygenation flow rate, temperature, blood chemistries, and time of perfusion.
• Disassembles and cleans equipment at conclusion of surgery.
• Trains house staff, technicians, and nursing personnel in the use of the pump oxygenator in relation to open heart surgery.
• Effectively uses automated systems to perform work assignments.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Graduate of a CAAHEP accredited school of cardiovascular perfusion, required.
• Possession of a license and current registration issued by the New York State Education Department as a Perfusionist.
• Candidates who fail to pass the credentialing examination within the maximum two year period may not practice as a Perfusionist beyond the expiration date of the renewed limited permit.