Clinical perfusionists manage and optimize extracorporeal circulation as well as physiological and metabolic stability, to support positive patient outcomes under artificial physiological conditions, such as cardiopulmonary bypass, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and other extracorporeal circulation systems. Despite the central role of the profession in patient safety and surgical outcomes, clinical perfusion remains inconsistently defined, regulated, and recognized across Europe. In response to these challenges, the European Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion, together with the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery and the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, convened a multidisciplinary task force to develop a unified expert consensus on the minimum academic education, supervised clinical training, and continuing professional development for safe and independent practice. It defines essential technical competencies, such as the operation of heart-lung machines and mechanical circulatory support devices, alongside critical non-technical skills in decision-making, communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The document also introduces a tiered framework to classify perfusionists by experience level and proposes mechanisms for certification and recertification through the European Certificate in Cardiovascular Perfusion. Furthermore, the statement highlights the importance of structured quality assurance programs, simulation-based education, and incident reporting systems in advancing perfusion safety and clinical effectiveness. A harmonized European approach is urgently needed to ensure consistent training standards, enhance workforce mobility, and support formal recognition of clinical perfusion as a regulated healthcare profession. This consensus aims to serve as a benchmark for national regulatory efforts and future professional development across Europe.
Bauer et al. (2026) studied this question.