The primary role of the Cardiovascular Perfusionist is to operate the heart lung machine during cardiopulmonary bypass. The perfusionist must also have the ability to focus and perform during stressful life threatening situations. Secondary roles include but not limited to Intra operative blood conservation, arterial venous and cerebral oxygen saturation monitoring, adjunctive therapies for ventricular assist. Functions in supportive roles with other medical specialties in operating room to provide a successful patient outcome. The perfusion staff also provides extended, long term support of the patients circulation outside of the operating room environment, cath lab, ICU. A Perfusionist is a skilled, allied health professional, trained and educated specifically as a member of an open heart surgical team responsible for preparation, operation of the heart lung equipment and others as directed by the surgeon. The Perfusionist monitors and maintains many of the physiologic functions of the patient during extracoporeal circulation. The perfusionist works within established hospital guidelines with the surgeon and anesthesiologist to facilitate the needs of the surgical patient. Must be a Certified Clinical Perfusionist or Board eligible as a graduate of an accredited Perfusion Program. Bachelors degree required or 10 plus yrs of experience. Must have clinical exposure to 40 clinical perfusions, either pediatric or adult pts. Knowledge and understanding of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology are necessary. Applications of ECMO, long and short term Ventricular assist devices. Veno veno bypass, and vacuum assisted venous drainage, circulatory support, autotransfusion, laboratory values and interpretation. The Perfusionist is knowledgeable concerning the variety of equipment available to perform extracorporeal circulation functions, monitoring and is responsible, in consultation with the surgeon for selecting the approp equipment and techniques to be used.