CVP5007 · Paediatric perfusion

Overview

In this unit, you will develop specialised knowledge of paediatric perfusion principles and the unique physiological considerations for paediatric heart surgery. You will explore developmental differences in cardiovascular anatomy, myocardial function, coagulation physiology, and pharmacokinetics that distinguish paediatric practice from adult perfusion. The unit examines age-appropriate CPB circuit design, miniaturised cannulation techniques, temperature management strategies including deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA), and specialised monitoring modalities.. You will develop evidence-based blood conservation strategies and patient blood management principles tailored to paediatric patients. Advanced topics include paediatric ECMO indications, ventricular assist device management, and heart transplantation considerations including ABO-incompatible protocols. Through case-based learning, you will integrate knowledge from this unit with advanced clinical decision-making, building toward confident participation in high-acuity paediatric patient care.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment in this unit includes hurdle assessment tasks. Failure of any hurdle assessment task may result in failure of the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Examine adult and paediatric cardiovascular anatomy, physiology and pharmacokinetics to inform paediatric perfusion strategies.
2. Evaluate common congenital heart diseases by linking cardiac embryology, surgical correction, and perfusion considerations to prepare for paediatric cases across paediatric populations.
3. Justify paediatric bypass techniques to select age and size-appropriate approaches for safe paediatric perfusion.
4. Justify paediatric bypass strategies for temperature, myocardial, and cerebral protection, guided by specialised monitoring and perfusion management to enhance patient safety.
5. Evaluate current literature to inform an evidence-based approach to paediatric perfusion practice.
6. Communicate and collaborate effectively to convey complex paediatric perfusion concepts across multidisciplinary teams and a variety of professional formats.

Workload

3 hours of teacher-directed study per week, including 2 hours of lectures per week and 2 hours of tutorials per fortnight 9 hours of self-directed study Total per week = 12 hours

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.