Perfusionist job description

About the job

We are looking for a perfusionist to run the heart-lung machine during open-heart surgery and to monitor and maintain the patient's circulation together with the surgeon and anaesthetist.

Duties and responsibilities

• Set up, prime and test the heart-lung machine and its circuit before surgery
• Run cardiopulmonary bypass during the operation according to the surgeon's and anaesthetist's plan
• Monitor and adjust blood pressure, flow, temperature and blood gases throughout
• Give cardioplegia, drugs and blood products as instructed
• Check clotting with ACT tests and adjust heparin doses
• Operate cell salvage and cardiac support devices such as ECMO and the intra-aortic balloon pump when needed
• Record every stage and reading of the perfusion in the operation record
• Check and service the equipment and keep circuits and supplies in stock

Working conditions

• Long hours standing in the operating theatre
• Call-outs for emergency operations

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in perfusion technology, or a higher diploma in medical technology with accredited perfusion training, and a licence to practise
• 3 to 6 years of experience in perfusion for open-heart surgery

The years of experience follow the level you choose when posting.

Skills

• Heart-lung machine operation
• Cardiopulmonary bypass
• Blood gas analysis
• Anticoagulation management
• ECMO
• Aseptic technique
• Theatre teamwork

Preferred

• A professional perfusion certificate from a recognized body
• Experience in paediatric heart surgery
• Experience running ECMO in intensive care