Perfusionists: The Beat Behind Every Heart

By: Apeksha Agarwal

A perfusionist is a healthcare professional who specializes in operating heart and lung-related machines during critical and cardiac surgeries or procedures. They make sure that blood continues to flow through the body while the heart or lungs are temporarily paused in function or compromised. Though they work with machines, perfusionists also directly assist with patient survival and recovery during surgeries. Let's look closer at their scope of practice. 

Initially, when thinking of cardiac surgery, surgeons are the first professionals that come to people's minds. While surgeons play a huge role by performing the surgery, perfusionists are the specialists who manage and control the patient’s respiratory and circulatory system while being operated on. They monitor vital signs, work with cardiopulmonary bypass machines, regulate blood flow, and deliver medications into the bloodstream. Their patients are of all ages, ranging from infants with heart defects to adults going through heart transplants or surgeries. Perfusionists can also specialize in specific areas such as mechanical circulatory support and pediatric perfusion.

But to reach this level of practice, perfusionists must go through years of education and training. Firstly, they must obtain a bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to medicine, such as biology, cardiovascular technology, or chemistry. Then they must attend an accredited perfusion program in which they learn as well as gain hands-on clinical experience with machines relating to the heart and lungs. After completing the program, perfusions must attempt and pass a certification exam and complete the requirement of supervised clinical hours to become licensed. Altogether, it takes approximately 6-8 years of education to become a perfusionist. 

Although many people think that a perfusionist's work is complete once surgery is over, in contrast, they continue monitoring patients post-op. During recovery, they closely coordinate with the surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and other specialists to ensure optimal outcomes. Their role requires quick decision-making, precision, and a deep understanding of medical technology and human anatomy. 

In conclusion, they are essential in the field of medicine yet often go unnoticed. From supporting life during cardiac procedures to monitoring patients’ respiratory systems post-op, their work is vital for patient recovery and survival. 

Works Cited

“Cardiovascular Perfusionist - Explore Healthcare Careers - Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science.” Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, https://college.mayo.edu/academics/explore-health-care-careers/careers-a-z/cardiovascular-perfusionist/. Accessed 2 November 2025.

“Perfusionist Career | How to Become a Perfusionist.” Explore Health Careers, https://explorehealthcareers.org/careers/allied-health-professions/perfusionist/. Accessed 2 November 2025.

“What is a Perfusionist? | McGovern Medical School.” McGovern Medical School, https://med.uth.edu/perfusion/about-us/what-is-a-perfusionist/. Accessed 2 November 2025.