Clinical perfusion scientists (clinical perfusionists) are members of the multi-disciplinary cardio-thoraco-vascular team, nevertheless their role is wider for the emergencies network to anser to critical cases. They have a clearly defined and uniquely professional role. They are responsible for all aspects of patient care associated with the use of CPB during cardiac surgery, not exclusively. The safe conduct of CPB for clinical safety requires the perfusionist the clinical context knowledge, to measure and control haematological, biochemical and other physiological parameters such as blood temperature, blood gases, pressures and flows in the circuit, during the whole time of bypass.
Within the context of the opertive team, the clinical perfusionist is responsible for this supportive task, working very closely with other members of the team, including the cardiothoracic surgeon, the anaesthesia and intensive care specialist and the theatre and ICU nurses, to ensure the safest and ecxpected clinical 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 work in Intensive Care Unit, the Emergency Department, non-CTV theatres and in Cardiac haemodynamic settings, providing mechanical cardio-respiratory support and other specialist services for patients with heart disease,including other procedures such as transplant procedures