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alpha-stat management
Pronunciation: AL-fa stat
pH management strategy during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass that maintains uncorrected arterial pH at 7.40.
Full Definition
A method of acid-base management during hypothermic bypass where arterial blood gas values are not corrected for the patient's actual temperature, maintaining pH at 7.40 when measured at 37°C. This strategy preserves the normal pH-temperature relationship and is thought to maintain optimal protein function and enzyme activity during cooling. Alpha-stat management is contrasted with pH-stat management and may provide better cerebral protection during deep hypothermic procedures.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenated; commonly confused with pH-stat management.
In Context
- "Alpha-stat management was used throughout the cooling phase to optimize neuroprotection." — Perfusion protocol
- "The blood gas showed pH 7.38 with alpha-stat management during 28°C bypass." — Intraoperative record
Also known as
alpha-stat strategy
temperature-uncorrected pH management
Contrasted with
pH-stat management
Don't confuse with
pH-stat management
temperature correction