The cardiovascular perfusionist is a highly skilled, allied health professional trained and educated specifically as a member of the open heart, surgical team responsible for the selection, set-up and operation of a mechanical pump commonly referred to as the heartlung machine. Although the perfusionist?s primary role remains in Cardiovascular Surgery, additional scope of practice includes blood conservation, longterm support for respiratory failure, isolated limb perfusion for the treatment of malignant tumors, transplantation for heart, liver, and lung, and artificial cardiac assist devices. While operating the heart and lung machine, additional responsibilities include hemostasis management, blood gas analysis and myocardial protection.