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Intermediate Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

coronary perfusion pressure

Also written as: CPP — Coronary Perfusion Pressure

The driving pressure for coronary blood flow, calculated as the difference between aortic diastolic pressure and right atrial pressure.

Full Definition

Coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) represents the net pressure gradient driving blood flow through the coronary circulation, calculated as aortic diastolic pressure minus right atrial pressure (or left ventricular end-diastolic pressure when elevated). Since coronary flow occurs primarily during diastole, CPP is crucial for maintaining adequate myocardial oxygen delivery. Normal CPP values range from 60-80 mmHg. During cardiac anesthesia, maintaining adequate CPP is essential, particularly during periods of hemodynamic instability, aortic cross-clamping, or when using vasodilators that may compromise diastolic pressure. Low CPP can precipitate myocardial ischemia even in the absence of coronary artery disease.

Usage

Usage note: Always specify units (mmHg); distinguish from other perfusion pressures.

In Context

  • "The patient's coronary perfusion pressure dropped to 45 mmHg during separation from bypass, requiring norepinephrine support." — Anesthesia record
  • "Maintaining CPP above 60 mmHg was crucial given the patient's severe left main coronary stenosis." — Operative note

Also known as

CPP diastolic coronary pressure

Don't confuse with

cerebral perfusion pressure mean arterial pressure

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