cardiopulmonary bypass
Technique using a heart-lung machine to temporarily take over cardiac and pulmonary function during surgery.
Full Definition
Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is an extracorporeal circulation technique that temporarily assumes the functions of the heart and lungs during cardiac surgery. The system consists of venous cannulas that drain deoxygenated blood from the patient, an oxygenator that removes carbon dioxide and adds oxygen, pumps that propel the blood, and arterial cannulas that return oxygenated blood to the patient's circulation. This allows surgeons to operate on a motionless, bloodless heart while maintaining organ perfusion. The procedure requires anticoagulation with heparin and is managed by a perfusionist.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as CPB or simply referred to as 'the pump' in operative notes.
In Context
- "The patient was placed on cardiopulmonary bypass with mild hypothermia." — Operative report
- "Weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass was accomplished without difficulty." — Surgical note