Perfusionist

The Senior Perfusionist performs all duties of the Perfusionist classification and serves as an advanced clinical resource responsible for independently managing complex adult, pediatric, neonatal, transplant, and mechanical circulatory support cases. Senior Perfusionists exercise advanced clinical judgment, provide consultation to physicians and staff, lead quality improvement activities, and serve as preceptors and mentors for staff and students. 

The main operating room delivers patient care through provision and management of capital supplies, instrumentation and technological support as well human resources in collaboration with medical and paramedical staff to effectively manage patients undergoing elective, urgent, and emergent surgical intervention.

Clinical perfusionists are members of the open-heart surgery team, working primarily in cardiac operating theatres, as part of a team which includes cardio-thoracic surgeons, anesthetists, cardiologists, healthcare scientists working in cardiac sciences, theatre nurses and operating department practitioners. 

Responsibilities

%  

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

30

Yes

Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Advanced Perfusion Support

• Selects, assembles, tests, and operates cardiopulmonary bypass equipment and associated devices.

• Determines appropriate oxygenators, circuits, cannulae, pumps, and ancillary equipment based upon patient needs.

• Independently initiates and manages extracorporeal circulation procedures.

• Determines appropriate blood and fluid management strategies.

•Monitors and interprets hemodynamic, physiologic, laboratory, anticoagulation, and blood gas parameters.

• Assesses patient responses and communicates recommendations to physicians and surgical teams.

• Provides myocardial protection through administration of cardioplegia solutions.

• Operates hemoconcentration devices and blood conservation systems.

• Performs advanced perfusion techniques including hypothermia, deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, retrograde cerebral perfusion, and organ preservation procedures.

Senior Perfusionist Additional Responsibilities:

• All of the above plus:

• Independently manages highly complex adult, pediatric, neonatal, transplant, and re-operative procedures.

• Provides consultation regarding non-routine perfusion strategies and equipment selection.

• Serves as the clinical resource for advanced perfusion techniques and specialty procedures.