A perfusionist is a healthcare professional who operates the heart-lung machine during cardiac surgery to manage the patient's physiological status and keep their heart and lungs functioning. They are responsible for the metabolic needs of the patient so the surgeon can operate on a still heart. Eligibility requires a 10+2 with minimum 55% marks, and some institutes have entrance exams. Perfusionists work in operating rooms and ICUs, operating heart-lung machines and devices like ventricular assist devices. With one year experience and certification, their salary ranges from Rs. 10,000-12,000 per month. Relevant institutes include Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in Bangalore and Kerala University of Health Sciences in Thrissur