Some cardiac procedures require stopping the heart. Perfusionists are then responsible for setting up cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This technique replaces the heart and lungs using a machine equipped with pumps. Blood 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 may also intervene in cases of respiratory dysfunction, organ donation, or refractory cardiac arrest.
In France, between 250 and 300 people work in this profession. At the Caen University Hospital, four of them take turns and participate in nearly 600 operations per year. During surgery, they enter the scene once the patient is under anesthesia. Beforehand, they prepare the medications and set up the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit. Communication between the surgeon, the anesthesiologist, and the perfusionist is essential.
Performing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a specialty accessible to all nurses and physicians after training. In addition to a university diploma in extracorporeal circulation, healthcare professionals are trained through a mentorship program. For the past three years, there has also been a Master's degree (Master 2) to standardize practices and knowledge, which is also recognized at the European level.
Christophe: "When controlling extracorporeal circulation, you have to stay focused and very attentive. The pilot can't afford to make a mistake!"
Cécile: "Our profession demands a high level of technical skill and numerous responsibilities; each intervention is different depending on the patient's condition and medical history."
Benoit: "This job allows us to regularly renew ourselves: today we are training on a new CEC console and I sometimes participate in humanitarian missions with Dr. Babatasi, it's very enriching."
