CPB
Cardiopulmonary bypass. A process where a heart-lung machine temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs during certain cardiac surgeries.
Field vocabulary
Perfusion, ECMO, and cardiac OR terms in plain English.
A glossary for students who want to read program pages, job posts, and interviews without pretending they already know every term.
Perfusionist
A specialized clinician who operates extracorporeal circulation equipment such as the heart-lung machine and supports blood flow, oxygenation, anticoagulation, and monitoring during procedures.
ECMO
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. A form of extracorporeal life support used for severe cardiac and/or respiratory failure in selected patients.
ECMO Specialist
A trained RN, RT, perfusionist, or other qualified clinician depending on the institution who helps manage the ECMO circuit and patient monitoring.
Oxygenator
A component of a bypass or ECMO circuit that helps exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide outside the body.
Prime
The fluid used to prepare a circuit before blood flow through the extracorporeal system begins.
VAD
Ventricular assist device. A mechanical pump used to support heart function in selected patients.
IABP
Intra-aortic balloon pump. A mechanical circulatory support device used in certain cardiac patients.
Autotransfusion / Cell Saver
A process or service that collects and processes a patient’s own blood during surgery for possible reinfusion.
Call schedule
A work arrangement where clinicians may be required to respond to urgent or emergency cases outside standard hours.
Adult vs Pediatric Perfusion
Adult and pediatric cases can differ in size, physiology, equipment considerations, and training exposure.
CABG
Coronary artery bypass grafting, a common open-heart surgery where perfusion may be involved.
Valve case
A cardiac surgery involving repair or replacement of a heart valve.
Value analysis
A structured hospital process for evaluating products, equipment, cost, quality, outcomes, safety, and implementation fit.
Clinical champion
A clinician who understands the workflow or patient-care need and supports evaluation of a product or process change.
Supply chain
The hospital function involved in sourcing, contracting, purchasing, and product standardization.
CCP
Certified Clinical Perfusionist. A credential administered by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion.
PBSE
Perfusion Basic Science Examination, one of the ABCP examination components.
CAPE
Clinical Applications in Perfusion Examination, one of the ABCP examination components.
CAAHEP
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, the accreditor whose search should be used to verify program status.
AC-PE
Accreditation Committee for Perfusion Education, the committee on accreditation for perfusion education under CAAHEP.
Letter of Review
A status that may appear in the accreditation pathway. Students should verify exactly what it means for their expected cohort and board eligibility.
Case mix
The types of procedures or patients a team commonly handles, such as adult, pediatric, ECMO, VAD, transplant, or routine cardiac surgery.
New-grad friendly
Job language suggesting a team may consider recent graduates, usually requiring careful questions about mentorship and call support.
How to use this glossary
Start with CPB, perfusionist, ECMO, oxygenator, prime, call schedule, and value analysis. Those terms unlock a lot of the career and job-market content.