Question

For a heart-lung machine; Who is going to operate the device ? Is the patient also the operator? What education, knowledge, experience is needed? What language skill is needed? Can the device be operated with impairments such as vision, hearing, strength, or flexibility limitations? Will the patient operate the device? Who will service the device? What is the role of the physician and other health care professionals?

Answer 1

Solution :

• Perfusionist is the operator of the heart lung machine by managing the physiological and metabolic demands of patient, while cardiac surgeons operates
• In heart lung machine patient is not a operator. But the machine temporarily takes over the function of heart and lungs during the surgery by maintaining the blood circulation and oxygen content in body.
• The completion of perfusionist degree or masters with clinical training is needed to be a perfusionist. He must have strong anatomical knowledge and awareness in surgical techniques.
• There is no specific language skills needed for perfusionist other than communication skills. But a perfusionist should have a better organisation skill, ability to remain calm in serious situations , familiarity with surgery etc.
• The device can't be operated with any impairment in vision, strength, hearing or such matters since it needs to be handling with life.
• The patient don't operate the heart lung machine. Only the machine takes over the blood circulation and oxygen supply during surgery.