Extracorporeal Circulation Technology

OCCUPATIONAL DESCRIPTION: The perfusionist provides consultation to the physician in the selection of the appropriate equipment and techniques to be used during extracorporeal circulation. During cardiopulmonary bypass the perfusionist may administer blood products, anesthetic agents, or drugs through the extracorporeal circuit on prescription. The perfusionist is responsible for the induction of hypothermia and other duties when prescribed. Perfusionists may be administratively responsible for purchasing supplies and equipment as well as for personnel and departmental management.

JOB DESCRIPTION: A perfusionist is a skilled person, qualified by academic and clinical education, who operates extracorporeal circulation equipment during any medical situation where it is necessary to support or temporarily replace the patient's circulatory or respiratory function. The perfusionist is knowledgeable concerning the variety of equipment available to perform extracorporeal circulation functions and is responsible in consultation with the physician to select the appropriate equipment and techniques to be used.

The perfusionist is educated to conduct extracorporeal circulation and to ensure the safe management of physiologic functions by monitoring the necessary variables. Perfusion (extracorporeal circulation) procedures involve specialized instrumentation and/or advanced life support techniques, and may include a variety of related functions. Final medical responsibility for extracorporeal perfusion rests with the surgeon-in-charge. Extracorporeal Circulation Technologists (Perfusionists) are designated as C.C.P. upon successfully passing the certification examination of the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion.

EMPLOYMENT CHARACTERISTICS: The demand for perfusionists exceeds the supply. This is a new occupation involving employment in hospitals, by surgeons, and as part of a medical service group. The supply and demand ratio affects salaries which are competitive depending upon experience, job description, and geographic location. Perfusionists may work weekends and night duty, including emergency calls, as well as working on an on-call system depending upon the number of perfusionists employed by the institution.

For more information visit the following web sites:

• The Perfusion Homepage:  an excellent web site with up-to-date information
• American Academy of Cardiovascular Perfusion
• The American Society of Extra-Corporeal Technology
• The Extracorporeal Life Support Organization

Example Schedule

Although students are admitted after 2 years at Furman, many who are
accepted into ECT programs have had 3 or 4 years of undergraduate work.

Perfusionist Programs

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: Further information on careers in ECT can be obtained by writing to the American Society of Extra-Corporeal Technology, Reston International Center, 1980 Isaac Newton Square South, Reston, VA 22090, (703) 435-8556, or consulting the Allied Health Education Directory, put out by the Department of Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association, Order Department OP-182, P. O. Box 10946, Chicago, IL 60610.

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