Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
cardiopulmonary bypass
Heart-lung machine system that temporarily takes over cardiac and pulmonary function during surgery.
Full Definition
Cardiopulmonary bypass is a technique that uses a heart-lung machine to temporarily assume the function of the heart and lungs during cardiac surgery. The system diverts blood from the venous circulation, oxygenates it, removes carbon dioxide, and returns it to the arterial circulation, allowing surgeons to operate on a motionless, bloodless heart. The process involves cannulation of major vessels and requires careful monitoring of perfusion pressures and flow rates.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as CPB in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The patient was placed on cardiopulmonary bypass with good flows and pressures." — operative note
- "Weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass proceeded without complications." — perfusion record
Also known as
extracorporeal circulation
heart-lung machine
Contrasted with
off-pump
Don't confuse with
ECMO