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Perfusionist: at the heart of cardiac surgery

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Perfusionist: at the heart of cardiac surgery

They are part of the little-known professions but are essential to the proper functioning of the hospital and the care of patients. Discover the portrait of Cécile, Benoit, Christophe and Maxime, perfusionists.

Organize, perform and monitor extracorporeal circulation

Some cardiac procedures require stopping the heart. The perfusionists are then responsible for setting up extracorporeal circulation (ECC). This technique allows the heart and lungs to be replaced using a machine equipped with pumps. Blood flow is diverted outside the body to be oxygenated and preserve the patient's physiological functions.

Perfusionists spend most of their time in the operating room. They can also intervene during respiratory dysfunction, in the context of organ removal or during refractory cardiac arrest.

In France, between 250 and 300 people work in this profession. At Caen University Hospital, there are 4 of them who take turns and participate in nearly 600 operations per year. During surgery, they come into play once the patient is asleep. Beforehand, they prepare the medications and set up the CEC circuit. Communication is essential between the surgeon, anesthesiologist and perfusionist.

Practicing CEC is a specialty accessible to all nurses and doctors after training. In addition to a university diploma in extracorporeal circulation, caregivers are trained in a form of companionship. For 3 years, there has also been a master 2 which makes it possible to standardize practices and knowledge, also recognized at European level.

Christophe “At the controls of extracorporeal circulation, you must remain concentrated and very attentive. The pilot has no room for error! »

Cécile “Our profession requires high technicality and numerous responsibilities, each intervention is different depending on the pathology and the patient’s history”

Benoit “This job allows us to renew ourselves regularly: today we are training on a new CEC console and I sometimes participate in humanitarian missions with Dr Babatasi, it is very enriching.”

Communication department of Caen Normandy University Hospital
CHU Caen Normandy

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