Cardiovascular Surgical Assistant

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.

$115,000 - $140,000

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

• 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

Avant First Assistants LLC, established in 2012, has been delivering exceptional surgical support to surgeons, hospitals, and surgery centers. As a growing organization, we are seeking dedicated professionals who are goal-oriented and passionate about making a meaningful impact through outstanding service. We currently hold hospital contracts in Sugar Land, Cypress, and partner with several surgery centers across the Greater Houston area. If you share our commitment to excellence, we invite you to join our team and contribute to our mission of providing top-tier surgical assistance.