Extracorporeal Circulation in Theory and Practice

Perfusionists are primarily known for supporting patients in the cardiac operating room, while on cardiopulmonary bypass. Over the last decade, perfusionists have expanded their expertise to include extracorporeal membrane oxygenation program development and management, ventricular assist device management, intra-aortic balloon counter pulsation, hemofiltration or dialysis during or post cardiac surgery, pacemaker rogramming, anticoagulation management of HIT-patients, isolated organ perfusion for chemotherapy, and blood gas management. Furthermore, there are additional responsibilities in catheterization laboratories, as well as in research studies and publications. While the roles and responsibilities of a perfusionist can vary from hospital to hospital, the complexity and variety of tasks performed require extensive training and ducation, both in theory and practice. This book is intended to serve as a comprehensive review for perfusionists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, pulmonologists, pediatricians, neonatologists, ICU nurses and ECMO specialists and we believe that it will help to enhance theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding for extracorporeal treatments.