Clinical Cardiovascular Perfusionist

Job Description

Summary

Under the direction of the Supervisor / Clinical Instructor, Perfusion, the Clinical Cardiovascular Perfusionist participates as a member of the open-heart surgical team by selecting, setting up, maintaining and operating extracorporeal circulation equipment during surgery. Monitors the patient's altered circulatory process closely, taking appropriate corrective action when abnormal situations arise and keeping both the surgeon and the anesthesiologist fully informed. Carries out physiological measurements and monitors physiological responses during surgery. In addition to the operation of the heart-lung machine during surgery, the Clinical Cardiovascular Perfusionist functions in a supportive role for other medical specialties in operating mechanical devices to assist in the conservation of blood and blood products during surgery. Operates a platelet separator to process autologous blood to separate and render topical blood products for the production of homeostasis and wound healing. Provides extended, long-term support of the patient's circulation outside of the operating room environment such as ventricular assists devices (VAD), intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and extracorporeal life support system (ECLS).

Qualifications / Skills and Education

Education

Graduation from a recognized and accredited program in Cardiovascular Perfusion technology, plus one year's recent related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Eligible for membership with the Canadian Society of Cardiovascular Perfusionists (C.S.C.P.) and / or American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion Certified.

Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with patients / residents, families, staff, physicians, and other health care providers.

Knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in patient / resident care.

Demonstrated ability to draw out information that will contribute to understanding the patient / resident's situation in order to explore issues beyond the initial concerns.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.

Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

Ability to work independently and prioritize issues and workload.

Ability to operate related equipment.

Ability to participate in research.

Demonstrated ability to provide supervision and teaching to students.

Demonstrated ability to develop and provide in-services and presentations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Selects, assembles, and sets up perfusion and related equipment such as heart-lung machine, cardioplegia delivery system, roller pumps, centrifugal pumps, ventricular assist devices during surgery, post surgery or some medical emergencies.

Sets up auto transfusion system for salvaging and processing patients own blood products during diverse surgeries and post operatively as required.

Sets up, prepares and operates autologous platelet separation system for surgical and non-surgical application.

Operates perfusion and related equipment such as heart-lung machine, oxygen therapy equipment, cardioplegia delivery system, roller pumps, centrifugal pumps, and ventricular assist devices.

Monitors flows and pressures during surgeries, including venous return and arterial infusion of oxygenated blood. Interprets blood gas analysis and adjusts flow and pressure as required.

Carries out various physiological measurements and calculations.

Monitors physiological responses of patients undergoing extracorporeal circulation or other type of mechanical cardiovascular support during surgery or other medical therapy.

Administers crystalloid solutions, colloid solutions, blood products, drugs, and medical gases under the supervision of medical staff.

Participates in research projects and modifies current equipment and procedures as required while maintaining standard of care.

Evaluates new equipment and develops policies and procedures for optimal care.

Cleans, maintains and replaces faulty perfusion equipment, oxygen therapy equipment, and other related equipment. Maintains logs of quality assurance.

Demonstrates perfusion procedures and equipment operation to medical and nursing staff.

Provides training for cardiovascular perfusion students.

Performs review of emergency practice and special procedures on a routine basis to maintain clinical proficiency.

Orders medical supplies as required.

Performs call duty as scheduled.

Performs other related duties as assigned.