Professional
Technical
IVT
aortic cross-clamping
The surgical technique of temporarily occluding the ascending aorta to isolate the heart during cardiac surgery.
Full Definition
Aortic cross-clamping is a critical step in cardiac surgery where a specialized clamp is placed across the ascending aorta to stop blood flow to the coronary arteries and isolate the heart from systemic circulation. This allows surgeons to operate on the heart while cardioplegia maintains myocardial protection. The duration of cross-clamping is carefully monitored as prolonged ischemia can lead to myocardial dysfunction. The clamp is typically applied after cardiopulmonary bypass is established and removed before weaning from bypass.
Usage
Usage note: Often hyphenated when used as a compound modifier.
In Context
- "Aortic cross-clamping was performed at 10:45 AM with immediate cardioplegia delivery." — operative report
- "The total aortic cross-clamping time was 78 minutes." — perfusion record
Also known as
aortic clamping
cross-clamp application
Contrasted with
aortic unclamping
clamp removal
Don't confuse with
aortic cannulation
aortic occlusion