As a highly skilled member of the cardiothoracic surgical team, the perfusionist is responsible for operating and monitoring the heart-lung machine during open-heart surgery. They also maintain and troubleshoot the equipment that is used to provide oxygen and blood to the patient during the procedure. Additionally, they work closely with the other team members to ensure the safety of the patient and the success of the surgery.

The perfusionist is solely in charge of looking after the metabolic and physiological needs of the cardiac surgical patient so that the cardiac surgeon can work on a still, non-beating heart

A Perfusion Technology Degree Course aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become a competent Cardiac Perfusionist. The course covers topics such as cardiopulmonary bypass, patient monitoring, hemodilution and hemofiltration, and extracorporeal circuit maintenance. In addition, students will gain a thorough understanding of modern technologies used in patient care and the latest advances in perfusion science. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be well-versed in the management of cardiac surgery patients and able to make informed decisions regarding patient care.