Perfusionist

Perfusionists are skilled, allied health professionals trained to be members of an open-heart surgery team. They are responsible for the set-up and operation of heart-lung machines which take over the functions of a patient’s heart and lungs during surgery or respiratory failure.

During many types of open-heart surgery, the patient’s heart is stopped to make it possible for the surgeon to work on the heart. The patient’s blood is diverted away from the heart and lungs into the heart-lung machine which oxygenates the blood and returns it to the patient.

Perfusionists are responsible for operating the machine during surgery, monitoring the altered circulatory process, and taking appropriate action should any abnormal situation arise. They have to keep the anaesthetist and the surgeon fully informed on the status of the patient.

Perfusionists review the patient’s medical history and chart, consult the surgeon to obtain the necessary set-up information and monitor the patient’s blood temperature, composition and flow rate. They set up and test the machine to ensure that it is working properly and also clean and adjust the parts as needed. Perfusionists often function in supportive roles for other medical specialists by operating mechanical devices, and assist in the preservation of blood and blood products during surgery. Outside the operating room, they provide long-term support to patients with circulatory problems. The exact nature of their duties would depend on the institution where they are working.

Personal Requirements

care for people
have good communication skills
enjoy working as part of a team
be able to work independently
have technical aptitude
have an eye for detail
be precise and accurate
be able to perform well under stress

How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Science
Recommended subjects: Life Sciences
Additional:

Pass matric with a Bachelor's pass
Meet the admission requirements (APS) set by the university
All applications for admission to MBChB and Medical degrees are subject to selection.
Due to the limited number of spaces available, only a small percentage of applicants are admitted.

What to Study

Diploma: CPUT, CUT, DUT, NMMU, TUT

Employment

government hospitals
clinics
private hospitals
other health care facilities

Further Information

Any of the above mentioned

Getting Started

ask a perfusionist about his/her work
find out about latest technological developments in this field
do a first-aid course to make sure of your aptitude for and interest in the medical field

Programmes by Study Institutions

Capricorn TVET College

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