BHSC 6100 is the first in a two course sequence that examines the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the circulatory system.

The practicing Cardiovascular Perfusionist must have a thorough understanding of the concepts and application of pharmacology in clinical practice. This must include but not be limited to: understanding drug delivery, dosages, mechanism of action, and safety of use. Also included in this course will be concepts related to Cardiac Anaesthesia and the care of the cardiac patient in the OR setting.

Cardiopulmonary bypass is a proven technology utilized in a variety of surgeries mostly involving the heart. As a Cardiovascular Perfusionist you are required to be the professional body responsible for the techniques and safe application of extracorporeal circuitry. This course will teach you about the equipment and the various techniques used to safely conduct cardiopulmonary bypass. Descriptions of the most common surgeries requiring Cardiopulmonary Bypass will also be discussed.

A continuation of Advanced Anatomy and Physiology I that focuses on normal physiology and pathophysiology of the following systems: Cerebral, Pulmonary, Renal, Hepatic, Hematological, Immune, and Endocrine, as well as concepts of metabolism and temperature regulation. Both courses combine to provide the foundation on which a broad array of clinical applications depends. Prerequisites: BHSC 6100 and PERF 7100 and PERF 7200

A continuation of the learning objectives completed in Cardiac Anaesthesia and Pharmacology I. Further learning in this course will expand to include Arterial Blood Gas Analysis, Components of the coagulation cascade, and Pharmacology used in the Cardiac OR setting. Prerequisites: BHSC 6100 and PERF 7100 and PERF 7200

A continuation of PERF 7200, this course will focus on the safe application, maintenance and weaning of Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB). The physiological principles of Extracorporeal circulation and its effects on the body will be a major focus of this course. A thorough understanding of metabolism, anticoagulation and the systemic effects of CPB are essential to the practicing Clinical Perfusionist. Prerequisites: BHSC 6100 and PERF 7100 and PERF 7200

This course deals with ancillary perfusion technologies used in the support of patients with cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular pathologies. The Clinical Perfusionist must have a thorough understanding of all related technologies, and educated to a level that enables them to take a lead in patient care outside of the routine Perfusion environment. This process is essential for Perfusionists working within a cardiovascular centre. Prerequisites: BHSC 6110 and PERF 7110 and PERF 7210

This course deals with the pediatric aspects of cardiovascular perfusion, including but not limited to; the major physiological changes that occur to humans from utero to adulthood, common congenital cardiovascular lesions and pediatric perfusion techniques. A thorough understanding of the content of this course will be essential for Clinical Perfusionists working with pediatric patients. Prerequisites: BHSC 6110 and PERF 7110 and PERF 7210

Hemodynamic Monitoring and Diagnostics provides a systematic review of the current technologies used to determine the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary status of the Cardiac Surgery patient. This course describes the principles of the technology and how to appropriately interpret the acquired data so as to assess the status of the Cardiac Surgery patient. Prerequisites: BHSC 6110 and PERF 7110 and PERF 7210

PERF 8100 will concentrate on observational rotations in all areas of the hospital related to the Cardiac Patient. It will be an introduction to other staff members with whom the cardiovascular perfusionist may work on a regular basis. These observations will help orientate the students to all the staff and areas with which a Clinical Perfusionist may be involved. This course is an introduction to the operating room environment; sterility, scrub techniques and infection control. It will also put emphasize on the foundations of professionalism, communication, ethics, legal aspects and the Canadian Society of Clinical Perfusion (CSCP) Standards of Practice and Mission Statement. Prerequisites: PERF 7220 and PERF 7300 and PERF 7400

Cardiovascular Perfusion Clinical 2 is a continuation of PERF 8100. In Clinical 2 students will gain hands on experience in the preparation and application of the Cardiovascular Bypass System. Learning objectives will be taught through lectures, wet lab simulations and under observation in the Operating Room. This course contains the foundation of learning that must be understood in order for the Clinical Perfusionist to provide effective and safe treatment options to patients. Prerequisites: PERF 8100

Cardiovascular Perfusion Clinical 3 is a continuation of PERF 8200. The students are expected to improve upon the level of competency gained during PERF 8100 and 8200. In Clinical 3, students will gain experience with ancillary devices used in Perfusion, as well as expand their knowledge in the safe conduct of Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB). Modules of learning for each device will include lectures, wet lab simulations and clinical application. Special CPB cases, scenarios and advanced Perfusion techniques will also be discussed. Prerequisites: PERF 8200

Cardiovascular Perfusion Clinical 4 is a continuation of PERF 8300. The students are expected to improve upon the level of competency gained in previous clinical courses. In Clinical 4 students will continue to review and apply the objectives introduced in previous rotations, as well as prepare and apply advanced Perfusion techniques and technologies. Review of Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB) case studies will assist the student in understanding various clinical scenarios and conditions that have presented in the past and how they were managed. Prerequisites: PERF 8300

Cardiovascular Perfusion Clinical 5 is a focused rotation in Pediatric Perfusion to take place at British Columbia Children’s Hospital (BCCH). Students will review concepts of fetal development, and gain an expanded knowledge of most common congenital heart defects and their surgical corrections. Students will assist in the preparation and application of safe Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB) in the pediatric patient. A thorough knowledge will be gained in the concept and application of Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO). Prerequisites: PERF 8200