Perfusionists are indispensable specialists in major heart operations. At the Heart and Diabetes Center North Rhine-Westphalia (HDZ NRW) in Bad Oeynhausen, 28 students from the Münster University of Applied Sciences are currently receiving practical training in this demanding professional field.

In a three-week intensive seminar, the lecturers Christian Klüß and Tom Althaus as well as other experts from anesthesia, surgery and cardiology teach central contents of perfusiology. Participants learn both the theoretical basics and practical applications of the heart-lung machine – from special perfusion techniques and biocompatibility to complex catheter-based procedures, artificial heart systems and modern heart and lung replacement procedures.

The training is carried out according to Europe-wide uniform standards of the European Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion and is part of a four-semester university certificate course and a five-semester master’s program. The HDZ NRW is closely involved as a cooperation partner of the Münster University of Applied Sciences.

“Cardiosurgical and interventional procedures have become much more demanding and complex in recent years – this is also reflected in the training,” explained Christian Klüß. Department head Markus Rudloff emphasized that there are only a few training opportunities in perfusiology in Germany. The HDZ NRW therefore wants to specifically promote qualified young people and draw attention to this important job profile.

With around 43,000 patients per year, the HDZ NRW is one of the largest and most modern centres for heart, circulatory and diabetes diseases in Europe. In the Clinic for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery under the direction of Prof. Dr. Jan Gummert, around 3,500 procedures are performed annually on the heart and the vessels near the heart. The center is a leader in Germany in heart valve surgery, heart transplants and the implantation of ventricular assist systems.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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