de-airing
The process of removing air from cardiac chambers and great vessels before weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass.
Full Definition
De-airing is a critical procedure performed before discontinuing cardiopulmonary bypass to remove air bubbles from the cardiac chambers, coronary arteries, and great vessels. The process involves various maneuvers including lung ventilation, cardiac manipulation, needle aspiration of air, and use of carbon dioxide flooding to displace air. Incomplete de-airing can result in air embolism causing stroke, myocardial ischemia, or hemodynamic instability. Transesophageal echocardiography is commonly used to guide and confirm adequate de-airing. The procedure requires coordination between surgeon, perfusionist, and anesthesiologist.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate consistently; may appear as 'deairing' in some contexts but hyphenated form preferred.
In Context
- "Extensive de-airing was performed under TEE guidance before weaning from bypass." — operative report
- "The de-airing protocol included CO2 insufflation and manual cardiac massage." — perfusion record