cardiopulmonary bypass
A surgical technique that temporarily diverts blood circulation away from the heart and lungs during cardiac procedures.
Full Definition
Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a critical technique in cardiac surgery where a heart-lung machine takes over the function of the heart and lungs, allowing surgeons to operate on a still heart. The procedure involves cannulating major vessels to redirect blood flow through an external circuit that oxygenates and pumps blood back to the body. CPB requires careful monitoring of anticoagulation, perfusion pressure, and temperature management. Understanding this term is essential for editors working with cardiac surgery documentation, as it appears frequently in operative reports and patient care protocols.
Usage
Usage note: Always lowercase when spelled out; CPB is acceptable in subsequent references.
In Context
- "The patient was placed on cardiopulmonary bypass with an activated clotting time of 480 seconds." — operative report
- "Weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass proceeded smoothly without the need for inotropic support." — surgical summary