Training typically involves two years of focused studies following the completion of a bachelor’s degree program.
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
What Is a Cardiovascular Perfusionist?
These include:
What Is a Heart-Lung Machine?
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
This replicates the action of the heart and lungs.
What Does a Cardiovascular Perfusionist Do?
The cardiovascular perfusionist shares responsibility with the surgeon and anesthesiologist for the maintenance of vital functions during surgery.
By commandeering the normal function of the heart and lungs.
the perfusionist allows the surgeon to operate on a still, unbeating heart.
During open heart surgery, several thin tubes called cannulas are inserted in blood vessels to redirect the flow.
The cannulas are then connected to the heart-lung machine, which is overseen and managed by the perfusionist.
Additional training for subspecialties is required.
Although fellowships are rare, there are several available to board-certified perfusionists who want to expand their skill base.
The demand for cardiovascular perfusionists is great due largely to the scarcity of new applicants.
How Much Does a Perfusionist Earn?
New York State Education Department.Perfusionist.
American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion.The American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion 2021 annual report.
Extracorporeal Life Support Organization.ECLS international summary of statistics.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.You’re a what?
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2022: 29-2031 cardiovascular technologists and technicians.
