Advanced
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
retrograde autologous priming
Technique of filling the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit with patient's own blood instead of crystalloid or colloid solutions.
Full Definition
A blood conservation strategy where the extracorporeal circuit is primed using the patient's blood drawn retrograde through the venous cannula before initiating bypass. This technique reduces hemodilution, decreases transfusion requirements, and minimizes the inflammatory response associated with foreign prime solutions. It is particularly beneficial in pediatric patients, Jehovah's Witnesses, or patients with low preoperative hematocrit where blood conservation is critical.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as RAP; distinguish from other blood conservation techniques.
In Context
- "Retrograde autologous priming was employed to minimize hemodilution in this anemic patient." — Perfusion note
- "The RAP technique reduced the prime volume from 1200ml to 400ml of crystalloid." — Quality improvement report
Also known as
RAP
autologous priming
Contrasted with
crystalloid priming
hetastarch priming
Don't confuse with
autotransfusion
cell salvage