The only role of a perfusionist is to run the heart-lung machine.

Question

Responses

True
True

False

Answer 1

False.

While operating the heart-lung machine is a significant part of a perfusionist's role during cardiac surgeries, their responsibilities extend beyond that. Perfusionists are trained to manage and monitor all aspects of the patient's circulatory and respiratory functions during surgery, including the administration of medications, blood products, and providing critical support for other organ systems. They also play a role in pre-operative planning, patient assessment, and post-operative care.