About MCCG

Well I guess I will give some of the new students some info about the Medical Center of Central Georgia. We are busy all the time, we currently have 2 students here and we each average about 2 cases a day. Although some days and with certain surgeons maybe 3 cases a day. Perfusion is in charge of all of the cell savers used in all ORs, so if you aren't pumping a case you are probably running a cell saver. So know how to calculated estimated blood loss because they will be asking!!!! We use ACD as an anticoagulant for cell savers, so its setup is quick and easy. Our cell saver is the Medtronic Autolog which we use because of its small footprint. Right now we have the Medtronic Bio console centrifugal pump, with COBE century roller pumps for the vent and suckers, and the MPS Quest for cardioplegia. By the way you will love the quest it truly is one of the best perfusion devices ever created...I have seen a spontaneous conversion to normal sinus rhythm within about of minute after cross clamp removal on 99.5% of all of my cases. I literally believe we have only had to shock 3 of my hearts since I have been here. Truly love this device! We will however, this month be switching to the Sorin S5 heart-lung machines, new blood gas machines, new heater coolers, and possibly electronic charting (don't worry the quest will be here for you to love and enjoy). The staff in the OR is very friendly, but like all ORs politics play a major role, so smile nod and keep quiet for those fun things. Oh...and when a surgeon stops turns around and yells at you just smile and nod, in the end surgeons don't like issues or deviations from normal. Learn to be quick, and always, always anticipate the next step because sometimes the surgeon may not give you a command you understand, and if you know where they are then you know what they want. We have 4 Cardiac ORs and a large CVICU. We control IABP while in the OR and help with insertion in the OR, but the nurses manage the IABP while in the CVICU. Right now we do not used PRP but they did used to do it here, and the supplies are available for you to learn how if you choose. Get used to low volume in your reservoir because almost all of your cases will be 300cc's or less in your reservoir. Last but not least learn a little about the Abiomed Impella LVAD and Tandem Heart LVAD because they both here at this hospital. My final bit of advice...if you don't know something be honest because they love to teach and explain things..some of them like to quiz you and some of them like to give you homework assignments!

Sonya Mollohan