Perfusionist explains the heart-lung machine for cardiac surgery

A patient's heart needs to be arrested (not beating) for certain types of surgery. What happens to the blood that still needs to be circulated to the rest of the body? In this video, a perfusionist who runs the heart-lung machine shows how exactly this process works.

Many thanks to Caleb for his time and expertise, as well as Dr. Mike Smith at Quinnipiac for the opportunity to film in this simulation lab.

0:00 Start
2:12 The basics
7:01 Advanced components
10:57 Safety mechanisms
14:18 ECMO and VAD
20:10 Career in perfusion

The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional.

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