Jeri Dobbs, BS, PA, CCP Instructor

• Registration opening date, to be announced.
• Registration closing date, to be announced.
• Class begins to be announced.

Course Description:

This course is divided into ten separate topics related to perfusion. A course syllabus containing information on each class and course material to be read prior to each weekly class session. The students will have access to the course Web site that will be accessed by an individual password.

The course will meet once a week for ten weeks. Each student is expected to sign onto the "classroom" on the Web site on a prearranged specific time and day each week. A seminar type discussion will take place in the "classroom" between all the students and the instructor at that time. A midterm and final exam will be given and taken on-line in a secure testing area of the Web site.

This course is divided into ten separate topics related to perfusion. These topics cover information and material of special interest to the perfusionist. These topics include:

Week # 1 The Adequacy of Perfusion

The student will learn:

1. To measure the adequacy of perfusion
2. The role of prime, pressures & flow.
3. The role of pulsatile flow & renal function.

Week #2 The Pathophysiology of Perfusion

The student will learn:

1. About inflammatory reactions.
2. Oxygenation in perfusion
3. The complement system.
4. Cerebral & renal function.

Week #3 Priming Solutions in Perfusion

The student will learn:

1. Osmolarity in priming solutions.
2. Electrolytes & crystalloid in priming solutions
3. Volume expanders, albumin, starches & gels
4. Experimental priming solutions

Week #4 Pharmacology in Perfusion

The student will learn:

1. Classification.
2. Hemodilution & Hypothermia.
3. Administration of drugs.

Week #5 Management of Renal Function

The student will learn:

1. Factors affecting renal function
2. Pathophysiology of renal function
3. Prevention of renal failure

Week # 6 Fluid Balance in Perfusion

The student will learn:

1. The effect of hemodilution
2. The role of hypothermia
3. The role of the prime

Week #7 Monitoring Techniques in Perfusion

The student will learn:

1. Physiological monitoring.
2. Cardiovascular monitoring.
3. Patient monitoring.

Week #8 Laboratory Analysis in Perfusion

The student will learn:

1. Preoperative and intraoperative tests.
2. Blood gas analysis.
3. Blood chemistry & anticoagulation.

Week #9 Current trends in Perfusion

The student will learn:

1. Materials, pumps & oxygenators
2. Monitoring systems
3. Circulatory assistance & LVAD/RVAD

Week # 10 Future Trends in Perfusion

The student will learn:

1. Gene therapy & artificial hearts.
2. OPCAB & robotic surgery
3. Future trends in perfusion education
4. Future trends in perfusion profession.

Required Text:

There is a required course syllabus, which will be used as a study guide for the course. It is also recommended that you have a copy of Cardiopulmonary Bypass, Principles and Practice edited by G.P. Gravlee, R.F. Davis, M. Kurusz and J.R. Utley published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. There are two editions and either will be fine as a reference text.

Classroom Session:

During the classroom session the instructor will lead a seminar type discussion of the subject. Each student will discuss his or her readings and thoughts on the subject. The class will be highly interactive with active discussion on the assigned subject.

Forum Section:

Each week several discussion questions will be found in the Forum Section of the web site. Please review these questions and enter your responses in the Forum Section. Your instructor will review your responses and enter comments relative to the questions. You should complete the forum section assignment prior to the classroom session.

Tests:

There will be at least two examinations during the class.