What it is, how to train, clinical best practices, equipment and the events that bring the community together. The heart of perfusion, for perfusionists worldwide.
Perfusion is the technique of maintaining the circulation of oxygenated blood through the body when the heart and lungs are stopped during surgery. The perfusionist is the healthcare professional who operates the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) machine and life-support systems such as ECMO, ensuring organs receive oxygen while the surgeon operates on the heart.
The heart-lung machine temporarily takes over cardiac and pulmonary function during open-heart surgery.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for critically ill patients with severe cardiac or respiratory failure.
The perfusionist runs the equipment, monitors gases, coagulation and temperature, and decides second by second.
One of the most specialized and least known healthcare professions in the world.
Routes vary by country: typically a health-science or nursing background plus a dedicated, board-accredited perfusion program.
Programs blend theory and clinical practice, often spanning two years, focused on cardiac surgery and extracorporeal circulation.
Compensation varies widely by country and experience — from roughly €30k in parts of Europe to six figures in the US.
Professional status differs by country; formal recognition is an ongoing topic for the global community.
The pillars of safe perfusion, grounded in international guidelines (EACTS/EACTAIC/EBCP).
Keeping flow and oxygen delivery (DO₂) within safe thresholds to protect renal function.
ACT/heparin control to prevent circuit thrombosis without increasing bleeding risk.
Low-prime circuits and cell salvage to preserve the patient's blood.
Pre-bypass checklists and structured communication with the surgical team.
Controlled cooling and rewarming for neurological and myocardial protection.
Continuous parameter logging for audit, continuous improvement and research.
The leading manufacturers of heart-lung machines, oxygenators and ECMO systems.
HL 40 heart-lung machines and the Cardiohelp ECMO system, a benchmark in many hospitals.
A broad range of oxygenators; launched its VitalFlow ECMO system in Europe in 2025.
Heir to Sorin; CPB platforms and the TandemLife support system.
Globally used oxygenators and extracorporeal circulation systems.
Cardiopulmonary support and ECMO solutions through its Xenios division.
Braile, Eurosets, Nipro and others round out a moderately concentrated market.
The congresses where the community gathers, learns and advances. See the full directory.
The largest gathering of the American Society of Extra-Corporeal Technology.
European extracorporeal life support (ECMO) congress.
The major cardiothoracic surgery meeting, with perfusion sessions.
European perfusion congress by the EBCP.
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