St. Michaels Hospital is the primary cardiac center within Unity Health Toronto, with 3 dedicated cardiac operating rooms and 1 hybrid cardiac operating room. Perfusion service at St. Michaels Hospital performs approximately 1200 cardiac cases annually, from simple CABG, single valve replacement to complex procedures, such as aortic root reconstruction with valve sparing, total arch replacement with elephant trunk, ROSS procedure, Commando procedure and more. We also provide ECLS for Cath Lab, respiratory failure and post-operative patients with cardiomyopathy, as well as perioperative cell salvage for cardiac, vascular and other urgent cases.
St. Michaels Hospital is one of the most sought-after cardiac centers for perfusion students. We provide clinical training for Michener Institute CVP students on a yearly basis and fundamental training to cardiac and anesthesia fellows as well. Clinical research is part of our routine work, and we have cooperated with our cardiac anesthesia team on several international research projects that have had significant implications.
Duties and Responsibilities:The perfusionist is responsible for their independent practice. This includes, but is not limited to the following responsibilities:
- Implement and manage the Heart Lung Machine to provide life support through extracorporeal circulation
- Responsible for all aspects of Cardiopulmonary Bypass for the duration of the entire operation and must sustain long periods of intense concentration and vigilance
- Review the patients medical records and the operative procedure in order to adapt and select the appropriate life supporting therapy
- Check blood and/or blood products and assess need for transfusion during cardiopulmonary support
- Complete all necessary legal documentation.
- Cell salvage devices: how to operate and trouble-shoot
- Intra-aortic balloon pump: preparation, insertion and operation
- Operate ECLS devices: preparation, implementation and interpretation
- Supervise CVP students and fellow training
- Determine and administer medications as required during Cardiopulmonary Bypass
- Initiation of bypass is done through collaboration with the CV Surgeon and the Anesthetist
- Interpret all physiological and non-physiological parameters e.g. Blood pressure, urine output, blood volumes, blood gases, hematocrit, venous saturation etc. and adjust therapy as required
- Interpret blood work throughout the procedure making all necessary adjustments to maintain the patient's life
- Initiate hemodialysis or hemoconcentration according to pre-existing condition and/or identified need by the CV Perfusionist
- Warm / Cool patient as per the surgical procedure
- Prior to separation from bypass all necessary blood work and drug administrations to be completed and reviewed
Qualifications:- Diploma in Perfusion Technology required or Cardiovascular perfusion diploma required
- Completion of a Bachelor of Science Degree required; Master of Science degree is preferred
- Clinical Perfusionist Certified by the Canadian Society of Clinical Perfusion or certification eligible is required
- American Board of Clinical Perfusion certification an asset
- Demonstrated sound knowledge of Perfusion legislation, regulations and standards of practice.
- Extensive knowledge of cardiac surgical procedures is required
- Demonstrated willingness and ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Maintaining excellent interdisciplinary team work during stressful situations.
- Must have an excellent attendance record
- Minimum 1 year experience preferred
