The perfusionist's activities in safe cardiovascular surgery

Objective: to report the experience as perfusionist in cardiovascular surgeries with emphasis on patient safety in the cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: descriptive study of the type of experience reportabout cardiopulmonary bypass during cardiovascular surgeries in a university hospital located in the south of Brazil from July 2015 to July 2018. Results: cardiopulmonary bypass comprises a set of techniques and use of materials and equipment for the temporary replacement of the patient's cardiopulmonary functions during the main period of cardiovascular surgery. The professional performing this activity must have adequate training, because during the conduction of cardiopulmonary bypass, it is necessary to maintain the patient's acid-base, hydroelectrolytic and hemodynamic balance. Conclusion: cardiopulmonary bypass is a specialty in which nurses can act as long as they have the qualification to perform such function in order to guarantee the safety of the patient during its accomplishment.