Basics of Perfusion & Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Dr. Gautam Sengupta retired as the Professor and Head of the Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery Department of SSKM Hospital and IPGME&R at Kolkata. This write-up is intended to help upcoming cardiothoracic surgeons and perfusionists understand the basic science of human circulation and the nuances of the heart-lung machine.Perfusion and cardiopulmonary bypass are integral to cardiac surgery and similar situations. The role of the perfusionists operating the heart-lung machine for cardiopulmonary bypass is immensely important for the overall success of the procedure. I was asked to learn the technique of perfusion and cardiopulmonary bypass by my teachers and seniors while training for cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, and I picked up the modifications and improvements along the way. My belief is the same even today, and to be a good cardiovascular specialist, adequate knowledge in the subject is mandatory.