A Cardiovascular Perfusionist Is a healthcare professional who plays a role in the surgical team. During surgery, the perfusionist operates the heart-lung machine, which temporarily supports or replaces the functions of the heart and lungs while carefully managing the patient’s circulation, oxygenation and other vital physiological parameters.

Perfusionists also operate Cell Saver machines during cardiac and other surgical procedures where significant blood loss is expected. Cell Saver technology collects, processes and returns the patients own blood during surgery, helping to reduce blood loss and the need for donor blood transfusions.