alpha-stat management
Blood gas management strategy during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass that maintains pH and CO2 uncorrected for temperature.
Full Definition
Alpha-stat management is a blood gas management strategy during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass where arterial blood gas values are maintained at normal ranges (pH 7.40, CO2 40 mmHg) when measured at 37°C, without correction for the patient's actual lower body temperature. This approach preserves the normal intracellular pH-temperature relationship and maintains optimal enzyme function during hypothermia. Alpha-stat management is associated with better preservation of cerebral autoregulation and may reduce the risk of cerebral microembolization compared to pH-stat management. The technique is preferred for most cardiac surgical procedures, particularly those involving moderate hypothermia.
Usage
Usage note: Should not be hyphenated when used as a noun (alpha stat), but hyphenated when used as an adjective (alpha-stat management).
In Context
- "The perfusionist maintained alpha-stat management throughout the hypothermic period to optimize cerebral protection." — Perfusion record
- "Blood gases were managed using alpha-stat strategy with uncorrected values maintained at physiologic ranges." — Anesthesia record