Surgical Tech First Assistant - Cardiovascular Surgery

About the role

This position works closely with the surgeon and the healthcare team to ensure safe, high‑quality cardiovascular operations. The assistant performs duties under the surgeon’s direction, following hospital policies, laws and regulations.

Key responsibilities

• Practice strict adherence to sterile technique.
• Facilitate patient preparation for surgery.
• Provide visualization of the operative field.
• Harvest the saphenous vein for coronary artery grafting under direct supervision.
• Assist with closure of body planes using appropriate techniques.
• Select and apply wound dressings and secure drainage systems or intra‑aortic balloon pumps.
• Adapt communication and behavior to each patient’s needs.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Required profile

• High school diploma or equivalent and graduation from an accredited Surgical First Assistant program.
• Certified Surgical Assistant or Certified First Assistant.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
• Minimum 5 years of experience working in surgery; preferred 2 years in surgical first assisting.
• Preferred certification in Endoscopic Saphenous Vein Harvesting.

Required skills

• Suturing and saphenous vein harvesting.
• Strong knowledge of sterile technique.
• Proficiency with computers, software and web‑based applications.
• Endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting techniques.