Cardiovascular perfusion is the science of providing extracorporeal circulation in order to artificially support and temporarily replace a patient’s respiratory and circulatory systems. Clinical Perfusionists are expert members of the cardiac surgical team, and provide lifesaving support of patients requiring extracorporeal circulation, including but not limited to major cardiothoracic, vascular and transplant surgeries, as well as support of the critically-ill patient. Cardiovascular Perfusionists are important members of the open-heart surgical team whose primary role is to conduct cardiopulmonary bypass using a heart-lung machine and other ancillary equipment. They closely monitor the patient’s blood flow and other vital signs during open heart surgery and are also responsible for administering intravenous fluids, blood products and anesthetic drugs