Perfusionist - Open Heart - Methodist

Overview According to the prescribed standards, the Senior Perfusionist performs those functions necessary for the support, treatment, measurement, and/or supplementation of the cardiopulmonary and/or circulatory system of the patient. The Senior Perfusionist performs advanced technical work in the selection, preparation, operation, and maintenance of the cardiopulmonary bypass and ancillary equipment. The Senior Perfusionist is responsible for the knowledge, operation, and maintenance of a wide variety of technical perfusion equipment utilized in cardiac surgery, as well as, other circulatory support devices, and for close cooperation with the attending physician in extra-corporeal perfusion practices. The primary working area is the operating room; however the possibility exists of working in other within the Health System. Responsibilities Performs those functions necessary for the support, treatment, measurement, and/or supplementation of the cardiopulmonary and/or circulatory system of the patient. Selects necessary supplies for the procedure, and appropriately assembles and prepares all perfusion equipment (including, but not limited to: cardiopulmonary bypass system, cardioplegia delivery system, ultrafiltration, cell saver, etc.). Perfusion record, worksheet and related paperwork are accurately completed and an appropriate action is formulated based on the individual patient condition (including, but not limited to: knowledge of patient’s history, pre-op status, lab and cardiac cath. reports, etc.). Awareness of the hazards of body fluids, proper precautions and disposition of soiled equipment in a proper place is demonstrated in daily practice. A working knowledge of cardiopulmonary bypass equipment, anatomy, physiology, physics and mechanics of cardiopulmonary bypass is demonstrated on a daily basis. Critical situations pertaining to support, treatment, measurement, and/or supplementation of the cardiopulmonary and/or circulatory system of the patient are recognized and reacted to in an appropriate manner, including proper communication with the attending surgeon. Appropriate changes are made, as needed, in therapy when presented with changing conditions, including administration of medication, anesthetic gases and blood components. All aspects of cardiopulmonary bypass are documented in an appropriate and timely manner. A working knowledge of cardioplegia delivery systems, including retrograde cardioplegia delivery, anatomy, physiology and pharmacology are demonstrated daily. All perfusion equipment and supplies necessary for the procedure are assembled and prepared according to policy and procedure. A working knowledge of cell saver is safely demonstrated on a daily basis. A working knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, physics and mechanics of an intra-aortic balloon pump is routinely demonstrated. All aspects of support, treatment, measurement, and/or supplementation of the cardiopulmonary and/or circulatory system are documented in an appropriate and timely manner. A working knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, physics and mechanics of VAD are routinely demonstrated. A working knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, physics and mechanics of ECMO are routinely demonstrated. A working knowledge of Blood Gas machine, including Quality Control, is routinely demonstrated. A working knowledge of the ACT machine, including Quality Control, is routinely demonstrated. Cardiopulmonary Bypass Expertise Diverse working knowledge of cardiopulmonary bypass equipment, anatomy, physiology, physics and mechanics of cardiopulmonary bypass. Proper communication with the attending surgeon. Documentation of cardiopulmonary bypass in an appropriate and timely manner. Awareness of changes that may be needed in therapy when presented with changing conditions. Provides circulatory support during cardiovascular procedures under direct supervision of the physician. Provides and interprets physiological monitoring during surgical procedures. Performs blood gas testing and blood chemistry testing with analysis. Provides, monitors, and maintains hemodilution/hemofiltration of blood during cardiopulmonary bypass procedures. Performs induction, maintenance, and reversal of hypothermia during cardiopulmonary bypass procedures. Monitors and analyzes anticoagulation therapy during cardiopulmonary and surgical procedures. Performs blood chemistry and comprehensive blood counts with interpretation. Monitors and analyzes anticoagulation therapy during blood conservation procedures. Trouble shoots autotransfusion equipment during and after operative procedures, ensuring equipment function. Maintains and operates VAD and intra-aortic balloon pump therapy to promote myocardial preservation. Monitors and interprets hemodynamics and physiological changes during VAD or intra-aortic balloon pump therapy. Trouble shoots VAD and intra-aortic balloon pump equipment during and after procedures, ensuring equipment function. Maintains and operates all equipment necessary to perform platelet gel therapy, and ensure equipment function. Monitors and maintains platelet gel until time of use. Trouble shoots platelet gel equipment during and after therapy. Manages the equipment and supply maintenance. Equipment is cleaned in an appropriate and timely manner. Equipment is maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. Appropriate supplies in perfusion carts are maintained. Supplies are traced within the department and apprise the appropriate personnel of inventory level. Oversees and maintains products used in and during platelet gel therapy. Participates in and continues development of providing cost-effective perfusion services. Works in conjunction with administration and staff to maintain perfusion supply costs. Communicates with and works with the Materials Management and perfusion vendors to promote cost-effective perfus