Original Article

Trends in the Training of Cardiopulmonary Perfusionists

¹ Center for Allied Health Professions
² The Department of Surgery Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX

^* Direct Communications to: Robert E. Roush. Ed.D., Director. Center for Allied Health Professions. Baylor College of Medicine. One Baylor Plaza. Houston. TX 77030

Abstract

While the most significant developments in perfusion technology have occurred in the past twenty-five to thirty years, interest in extracorporeal circulation was evident as early as the 18th Century. In this article (1) early developments in the field up to the first use of a heart-lung machine by Gibbon are traced; (2) development of accreditation and certification processes is described; (3) data on the current and continued need for perfusionists in the U.S. are presented; and (4) the Baylor College of Medicine baccalaureate program in perfusion is described. One conclusion drawn from information on the need for perfusionists and from information concerning extent of perfusion education is that perfusionists could work more effectively with surgeons than is presently the case if they are more broadly trained and, consequently, delegated greater responsibilities in and out of the operating room.