What types of health care providers are involved in cardiac surgery?
• Cardiac surgeon – performs the surgery, including the incision and repair of heart and blood vessels. • Surgical assistants – assist the surgeon. • Anesthesiologists – provide freedom from pain and a deep sleep that prevents memory of the surgery. • Perfusionist – operates the heart-lung machine that keeps your blood circulating with oxygen while the surgeon is working on your heart. • Nurses – watch over the operating room and assure that the operating team has all necessary equipment.
