The contest
Clinical perfusion scientists (clinical perfusionists) are members of the multi-disciplinary cardiac surgical team. They have a clearly defined and uniquely specialised role. They are responsible for all aspects of patient care associated with the use of CPB during cardiac surgery. The safe conduct of CPB requires the clinical perfusionist to measure and control haematological, biochemical and other physiological parameters such as blood temperature, blood gases, pressures and flows in the circuit, during the period of bypass.
Within the context of the cardiac surgical team, the clinical perfusionist is responsible for this specialist task, working very closely with other members of the team, including the cardiothoracic surgeon, cardiothoracic anaesthetists and cardiac theatre nurse to ensure safe and successful patient outcomes.
During surgery, medicines and additional fluids are given to the patient through the CPB machine. The clinical perfusionist is also responsible for the safe termination of CPB following the instruction of the surgeon to terminate.
Clinical perfusionists also work in intensive care, the emergency department, non-cardiac theatres and the cardiac catheter laboratory, providing mechanical circulatory support and other specialist services for patients with heart disease and for other procedures, such as liver surgery and cancer chemotherapy.