Board of Registration of Perfusionists

Perfusionists are skilled health professionals. They are trained and educated as members of an open-heart, surgical team. They are responsible for the selection, set-up, and operation of a mechanical device referred to as the heart-lung machine.

Perfusionists can:

• Handle operating the heart-lung machine during surgery
• Monitor the altered circulatory process
• Take appropriate corrective action when abnormal situations arise
• Keep both the surgeon and the anesthesiologist informed
• Operate mechanical devices to assist in the conservation of blood and blood products during surgery
• Provide extended, long-term support of the patient's circulation outside of the operating room