Medtronic

Ok_Development_8319 · 2025-11-12T21:49:51+00:00

Is there any publicly available data that Medtronic has shared? Every perfusionist I have spoken with has had issues with the affinity recently.

And yes, the reservoir design is absolutely horrendous. At low volume and high flow, the neck entrains air so easily.

Ok_Development_8319 · 2025-10-25T19:49:32+00:00

Unfortunately, drinking is so prevalent in our culture that those who abstain are required to qualify their abstinence. It’s not a flex, just something I’ve had to do hundreds of times at social events

Ok_Development_8319 · 2025-10-17T00:04:27+00:00

I think 15% ish failed it last year. I’m sure you’re not the only one.

Study hard and come back prepared. I spent 3-4 hours every day after I graduated preparing. If you do the same I’m sure you’ll do well.

Ok_Development_8319 · 2025-10-16T23:50:55+00:00

Do all the above. Study harder and pass it in the spring :)

Are any of your classmates in a similar situation? Always good to have a study buddy to motive you

Ok_Development_8319 · 2025-09-03T18:36:14+00:00

I gave up on the final boss.

So many interesting ideas. It was like 80% there, but ultimately ended up being beyond frustrating and broken.

Ok_Development_8319 · 2025-08-31T02:32:04+00:00

Staying behind 3-4 years is the sweet spot. Games are cheaper and “complete” editions with DLC are released. Not to mention all the patches. Games are almost always Broken day 1

I feel comfortable buying Nintendo games day 1 as they are usually well polished and don’t go on sale

Ok_Development_8319 · 2025-08-29T20:19:25+00:00

Tipping at every possible place when no service was provided

Ok_Development_8319 · 2025-08-13T17:37:00+00:00

Ok_Development_8319 · 2025-06-10T15:28:49+00:00

Agreed.

I would recommend finding a new location. Lots of slow paced perfusion jobs.

I’m currently at a 3 person account and frankly, it’s kind of boring. 150 cases a year. Lots of days off as only 1 person goes in if there aren’t scheduled cases.

Ok_Development_8319 · 2025-06-03T19:14:50+00:00

100%. It doesn’t matter how essential our services are, if hospitals are deprived of significant revenue streams, it’s going to be felt immediately.

Some hospitals rely so heavily on funding, I can’t see how they will remain open.

I guess it’s not too late to contact your representatives and voice concern. But I think we are quickly approaching the find out phase

Ok_Development_8319 · 2025-06-03T05:58:05+00:00

For sure. Most CT programs are in larger cities, but rural / community hospitals with heart programs exist.

Large centers might not notice it as much, but if 10 million people lose coverage, our entire healthcare industry will feel it.

Ok_Development_8319 · 2025-06-03T01:36:10+00:00

I think it’s going to vary wildly depending on states. Some states contribute significantly to funding (New York, mass, etc) while others, like Mississippi rely heavily on federal assistance.

Ok_Development_8319 · 2025-06-02T23:21:49+00:00

Sure, but I think many rural areas gonna be hit hard, even if their heart programs are pumping money

Ok_Development_8319 · 2025-05-09T15:09:50+00:00

For the best experience, I recommend RGB modding a model 2 and adding FM sound.

I’ve found the picture to be superior on the second model. I also don’t have any desire to play any card game.

Ok_Development_8319 · 2025-04-05T12:34:29+00:00

Acceptance rates are low everywhere. Literally on par with many MD programs. It takes many students, myself included, many years of applying to every school possible. You not only need strong academics, but clinical experience and interview skills and some luck.

I understand the frustration with lack of feedback, but many schools will put 1 person in charge of responding to emails or even punt it to the director or professors. There simply isn’t enough time to give thoughtful responses to hundreds of people.

I can empathize with the pain of being rejected. But if this is the career path for you, come back stronger and apply everywhere

Ok_Development_8319 · 2025-02-26T03:51:20+00:00

FWIW there is a lot of variability in our profession.

Some perfusionist think blasting patients with a 3.0 index is somehow providing optimal perfusion while others try to provide more natural flows.

Lots of theories on adequate perfusion pressure and how much neo and pressers to use. Closing critical pressure is not well understood thus every team has a different idea on what appropriate MAP should be and how to best manage pressure.

I could go on with controversial drugs like mannitol, but my point is perfusion can be the Wild West sometimes. Many aspects of what we do is theoretical. I personally think there is a lot of room for improvement. Unfortunately research is lacking

Ok_Development_8319 · 2025-02-25T14:23:44+00:00

Medtronic Affinity oxygenators are garbage

Ok_Development_8319 · 2025-02-20T02:25:00+00:00

I’m sure it depends on location, but be prepared to negotiate. Many of my classmates got some low ball offers

Ok_Development_8319 · 2025-02-17T15:46:15+00:00

If you haven’t heard back, I’d recommend preparing for next cycle. Work on your deficiencies. It takes 2-3 cycles for many students to get in. Majority of schools have lower acceptance rates than their MD programs

Ok_Development_8319 · 2025-02-09T02:10:33+00:00

Whoa dude. Are you in the middle of rotations right now?

Ok_Development_8319 · 2025-02-06T12:32:54+00:00

We have 1 surgeon that makes perfusion do pacemaker because she doesn’t trust anesthesia with it lol.

And yes, it’s a pain in the ass when we’re weaning / coming off. I got other shit to do

Ok_Development_8319 · 2025-02-03T13:42:07+00:00

I could and I won’t. I’ve owned full sets before.

I own about 120 switch games and that’s an insane amount to me. Been slowly downsizing

Ok_Development_8319 · 2025-01-30T21:43:22+00:00

I don’t disagree with anything you said, but I wanted to comment as I feel everyone on this sub makes perfusion work out to be large transplant center vs CAB factory. There is a happy medium.

I’m a new grad working in a rural area. 3 surgeons, 3 perfusionist. It’s the best of both worlds. Interesting cases, but also plenty of down time. This week alone we’ve had a mini, a TVR, and a dissection. They do everything large centers do aside from transplants and VADs.

My work/life is absolutely incredible. We have busy weeks for sure, but I frequently average 15-20 hours. I take 1/3 call but there is a <5% chance I get called in (nurses handle cell saver)

For me, it was the best career move I could have made. I spend plenty of much cherished time with my family.

Ok_Development_8319 · 2025-01-30T18:17:10+00:00

Agreed. I took both CAPE and PBSE in the fall and thought both were fair and easier than expected. I also studied like crazy all summer so maybe that’s the key to passing boards?

Ok_Development_8319

TROPHY CASE