Perfusion and Cardiovascular ECMO

Perfusion

A "Perfusionist" is a person, qualified by academic and clinical education, to operate the extracorporeal circulation equipment during any medical situation where it is necessary to support or replace a person's cardiopulmonary, circulatory, or respiratory function. A perfusionist is responsible for the selection of appropriate equipment and techniques necessary for support, treatment, measurement, or supplementation of the cardiopulmonary and circulatory system of a patient, including the safe monitoring, analysis, and treatment of physiologic conditions under the supervision of the cardiac surgeon. Perfusionist possess extensive knowledge of CPB circuits, bypass techniques, patient physiology, and potential complications, requiring constant communication and coordination with the entire surgical and anesthesia team to ensure patient safety and success.

Our pediatric Perfusionists are board certified by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (CCP). A CCP validates his/her mastery of these clinical skills, knowledge, and abilities through certification and meets ongoing continuing education and practice requirements through recertification.. They are responsible for the selection, setup and operation of the heart-lung machine, ECMO, Ventricular Assist Devices, auto-transfusion and any other circulation equipment during medical procedures where it is necessary to support or temporarily replace a patient's respiratory and/or circulatory functions. Children's of Alabama has 5 perfusionists and 3 perfusionist assistants. Our perfusion department has authored or co-authored 18 peer reviewed publications.

During Cardio-Pulmonary Bypass, the patient’s heart is stopped during surgery so it is easier for the surgeon to operate. Using the heart-lung machine, the perfusionist diverts the patient’s blood away from the heart and lungs into the cardiopulmonary bypass machine. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a complex, individualized, and team-based procedure where perfusionist operate the heart-lung machine to sustain a patient's life by taking over the function of their heart and lungs during surgery. Perfusionists continuously monitor and adjust numerous physiological and machine parameters, such as pump flow, oxygenation, temperature, and blood pressure, to optimize organ perfusion and patient outcomes.
 

Cardiovascular ECMO

At Children’s, our multidisciplinary cardiac ECMO program brings together perfusionists, nurses, respiratory therapists, cardiac critical care physicians, cardiologists, and cardiothoracic surgeons, working as a highly coordinated team. In the CVICU, we support an average of 30 ECMO cases each year, with survival-to-discharge rates that exceed the international average reported by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO).

Children’s ECMO program is proud to hold the ELSO Award for Excellence in Life Support since 2016, underscoring the exceptional quality of care delivered by our team. This prestigious distinction signifies a commitment to exceptional patient care, assurance of high-quality standards, use of specialized equipment and supplies, defined patient protocols, and advanced education of all staff members.