 |
|
| erfusionists are important members of the open |
| heart surgical team. During open heart
surgeries, |
| perfusionists manage and monitor the
heart-lung |
| machine which performs the function of the
human |
| heart and lungs. These professionals
monitor the patient's |
| condition and work to maintain the body in
the same |
| physiological state as would be done by
the native heart |
| and lungs. Perfusionists sometimes
perform similar |
| functions outside of the operating room
such as monitoring |
| and maintaining artificial hearts,
ventricular assist devices, |
| and other circulatory assist devices.
Perfusionists must |
| have a thorough knowledge of
pathophysiology, |
| pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, and
artificial |
| circulation technology in order to perform
these duties |
| competently and safely. Perfusion
care is performed in a |
| team-oriented setting, and is considered
to be highly |
| stressful. |
.