Cardiovascular Surgical Assistant

Avant First Assistants, LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 115,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Houston is seeking a skilled Cardiovascular Surgical Assistant to provide critical support in high-acuity surgical settings. The role involves preoperative preparation, intraoperative assistance, and postoperative responsibilities, fostering both professional growth and patient safety. Candidates must have a valid Texas Surgical Assistant License and experience in cardiovascular procedures. The compensation is competitive, ranging from $115,000 to $140,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in cardiovascular surgical assisting.
• Proficient in medical terminology and teamwork.
• Foreign MDs must pass TOEFL Test.

Responsibilities

• Provide critical intraoperative support to cardiovascular surgeons.
• Assist with patient preparation and positioning prior to surgery.
• Maintain a sterile field and adhere to infection protocols.
• Ensure accurate documentation of procedures.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Education

Surgical Assistant License (Texas)

Certification from ABSA or NSAA

Basic Life Support (BLS)

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

Job description

Avant First Assistants is seeking a highly skilled and dependable Cardiovascular Surgical Assistant to join our dedicated team in Houston, Texas. We offer an environment that prioritizes professional growth, a supportive and collaborative culture, and the opportunity to work alongside a respected surgical team. In this role, you will provide critical intraoperative support to cardiovascular surgeons, playing a direct role in optimizing patient outcomes while continuing to develop and refine your clinical expertise in a dynamic, high‑acuity surgical setting.

Preoperative Duties

• Meet patients in the preoperative area to verify informed consent and ensure all required documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant.
• Assist with patient preparation, including positioning, surgical site preparation, and draping in accordance with established procedural, safety, and infection‑control standards.
• Confirm that all required surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment are properly prepared, functional, and immediately available for the procedure.
• Participate in preoperative briefings with the surgical team to review case details, procedural plans, and any anticipated intraoperative considerations.

Intraoperative Support

• Provide direct surgical assistance to the operating physician, including tissue handling, exposure and retraction, hemostasis, suturing, and wound closure as appropriate.
• Apply advanced surgical techniques and utilize specialized instrumentation to support efficient, precise, and safe operative performance.
• Maintain a sterile field throughout the procedure, strictly adhering to aseptic technique and infection prevention protocols.
• Anticipate and respond to intraoperative needs in real time, adapting support to ensure optimal surgical flow and patient safety.

Postoperative Responsibilities

• Assist with patient stabilization and safely transfer the patient from the operating table to the post‑anesthesia care or recovery area.
• Ensure accurate, thorough, and timely documentation of all surgical procedures and intraoperative activities in accordance with regulatory and organizational standards.
• Participate in postoperative debriefings to evaluate outcomes, identify improvement opportunities, and support continuous quality and safety initiatives.

Experience in the following procedures

• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) – On‑pump & off‑pump
• Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR) – Mechanical & bioprosthetic
• Mitral Valve Repair – Annuloplasty, leaflet repair
• Mitral Valve Replacement (MVR)
• Tricuspid Valve Repair / Replacement
• Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Repair
• Femoral–Popliteal Bypass (Above & Below Knee)
• Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA)
• Peripheral Vascular Embolectomy / Thrombectomy
• Arteriovenous Fistula or Graft Creation (Dialysis Access)

Expected to manage

• Harvest saphenous vein & radial artery
• Perform sternotomy & closure
• Assist with cannulation / decannulation
• Place chest tubes, pacing wires, drains
• Assist with vascular anastomoses

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid and current Texas Medical Board issued Surgical Assistant License.
• Valid and current Certification from a recognized accrediting body such as the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) or the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) is required.
• Active Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications from the American Heart Association (AHA) or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in Cardiovascular surgical assisting in a hospital or an outpatient surgical center.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and proficient medical terminology with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in various surgical specialties, including but not limited to cardiovascular, neurosurgery, orthopedic, general surgery, and minimally invasive procedures.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and problem‑solving skills.
• Foreign MDs must pass TOEFL Test.

Compensation

$115,000-$140,000 per year