Adendorff Perfusion Services

Amor Adendorff: 072 062 6727

Ladene Joubert: 083 321 2003

Fax: 086 579 0381

Practice nr: 075 001 0360856
Address: P O Box 5180
Tygervalley
7536

PERFUSION AND BLOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES

A Cardiovascular Perfusionist Is a specialized healthcare professional who uses the heart-lung machine during cardiac surgery and other surgeries that require cardiopulmonary bypass to manage the patient's physiological status.

In South Africa a perfusionist is a trained B-Tech Degree health professional, specifically educated as a member of

an open-heart, surgical team.

During cardiopulmonary bypass, the perfusionist may administer blood products, anesthetic agents, or drugs

through the extracorporeal circuit on prescription and/or appropriate protocol. The perfusionist is responsible for the

monitoring of blood gases and the adequate anticoagulation of the patient, induction of hypothermia, hemodilution,

and other duties, when prescribed. Perfusionists may be administratively responsible for purchasing supplies and

equipment, as well as for personnel and departmental management. Final medical responsibility for extracorporeal

perfusion rests with the surgeon in charge.

THE PERFUSIONIST

Occupational description

A perfusionist operates extracorporeal circulation and autotransfusion equipment during any medical situation where

it is necessary to support or temporarily replace the patient’s circulatory or respiratory function. The perfusionist is

knowledgeable concerning the variety of equipment available to perform extracorporeal circulation functions and is

responsible, in consultation with the physician, for selecting the appropriate equipment and techniques to be used.

Job description

Perfusionists conduct extracorporeal circulation and ensure the safe management of physiologic functions by

monitoring the necessary variables. Perfusion (extracorporeal circulation) procedures involve specialized

instrumentation and/or advanced life-support techniques and may include a variety of related functions. The

perfusionist provides consultation to the physician in the selection of the appropriate equipment and techniques to

be used during extracorporeal circulation.

Employment characteristics

Perfusionists may be employed in hospitals, by surgeons, and as employees of a group practice. They typically

work during the week and are frequently on call for emergency procedures on weekends and nights. They also may

work in an on-call system, depending on the number of perfusionists employed by the institution.