The Perfusionist is primarily responsible for operating extracorporeal circulatory and ancillary equipment during any medical situation where it is necessary to temporarily support or replace the patient’s cardiac and/or respiratory function. All routine and advanced clinical and non-clinical functions of the Perfusionist are performed as prescribed by an attending physician and as described in SHC policies and protocols in conformance with the Scope of Practice outlined in the California Perfusion Titling Act (Business & Professions Code 2590) as well as the Ethical Standards of the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP).
In addition, Perfusionists, as directed by attending physician or their delegate, are responsible for monitoring and managing the patient’s altered physiological functions throughout extracorporeal circulation. This includes, but is not limited to, monitoring blood gases, electrolytes, anticoagulation, hemodynamics, and other parameters as required to ensure appropriate treatment of the patient.
• At times, Perfusionists administer blood products, anesthetic or other pharmaceutical agents through the cardiopulmonary bypass 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.
• The Perfusionist is knowledgeable concerning the variety of equipment available to perform extracorporeal circulation functions and provides consultation to the physician in the selection of the appropriate equipment and techniques to be used.
• This is the career level where incumbents perform the full range of clinical perfusion duties as described in essential functions, below.
The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility entailed, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings.
Employees must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the C-I-CARE Standards of the Hospital. C-I-CARE is the foundation of Stanford’s patient-experience and represents a framework for patient-centeredinteractions.
Demonstrates competency in operating the various types of perfusion equipment available at Stanford that includes but not limited to:
Heart/Lung Machines: Roller blood pumps: Sorin
Centrifugal blood pumps: Sorin, Centrimag, Maquet
Variety of Oxygenators
Temperature Regulation Devices – Heater/Coolers: Hemotherm, Cardioquip
Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps: Arrow
Ventricular Assist Devices: Heartmate, Heartware, Impella
Autotransfusion Machines: Heamonetics
Blood Saturation Monitors: Terumo CDI
Blood Gas analyzers: iSTAT
Coagulation Monitors: HMS, iSTAT
Hemodynamic Pressure Transducers
Hemoconcentrators: Sorin, Minntech
Cardioplegia delivery systems: Sorin, Medtronic
Accessory Equipment: Gas Blenders, Vaporizers, Sat/Hct monitors, Bubble and level detectors.
Knowledge requirements to the above equipment; to also include trouble-shooting skills.
Demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of all policies and procedures concerning clinical perfusion. Provide special perfusion services as described under the guidelines found in the established manual of clinical protocols and procedures of SHC and/or through direct order of the physician. Identify the needs of the patient regarding types of equipment, priming solution, and methodology in consultation with the surgeon and anesthesiologist. Communicate accurate information to the surgeon and the anesthesiologist pertaining to the patient response to the extracorporeal procedure. Provide adequate “Conduct of Perfusion” for each patient undergoing cardiac surgery utilizing the heart- lung machine in accordance with established surgeon and SHC protocols. Provides safe performance, monitoring and/or management of perfusion that includes but are not limited to:
Extracorporeal circulation/ cardiopulmonary support
Counterpulsation equipment set-up and operation (IABP)
Circulatory Support with Ventricular Assist Devices
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Autotransfusion and Blood conservation techniques
Myocardial preservation
Anticoagulation and Hematologic monitoring/analysis
Physiologic monitoring/analysis
Blood gas and blood chemistry monitoring /analysis
Techniques of Hyperthermia and Hypothermia
Techniques of Hemodilution
Techniques of Hemofiltration
Techniques of Profound Hypothermia and Circulatory Arrest
Techniques of Retrograde and Antegrade Cerebral Perfusion
Administration of medication, blood components and anesthetic agents via the extracorporeal circuit
Techniques of Veno/Venous bypass
Techniques of Vacuum Assisted Venous Drainage (VAVD) and Kinetic Assisted Venous Drainage (KAVD)
Hyperthermic Intra-Peritoneal/Thoracic Chemotherapy (HIPEC/HITHOC)
Maintains aseptic technique in assembling and operating Perfusion equipment. Follow manufacture operating instructions for equipment and disposables. Utilize safety devices when available on equipment. Assists in the transport of ECMO or VAD patients to Stanford Hospital. Assists in Ex-Vivo Perfusion during organ procurement Works in a variety of clinical settings where patients require perfusion services e.g. ICU’s, Cath lab and operating rooms.
Records and maintains all data pertinent to patient care to ensure that adequate records are kept per SHC, Joint Commission, CLIA, and other relevant standards. Performs other related and incidental duties as needed or assigned.
Equal Opportunity Employer Stanford Health Care (SHC) strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all of its policies and practices, including the area of employment. Accordingly, SHC does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity and/or expression, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability, or the perception of any of the above. People of all genders, members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized assessment of the conviction and the job requirements.