cross-clamp time
The duration for which the ascending aorta is clamped during cardiac surgery, representing myocardial ischemic time.
Full Definition
Cross-clamp time refers to the period during which the ascending aorta is occluded with a surgical clamp, preventing blood flow to the coronary arteries and creating a bloodless operative field for intracardiac procedures. This metric is critical for assessing surgical efficiency and predicting patient outcomes, as prolonged cross-clamp times are associated with increased risk of myocardial dysfunction and complications. Typical cross-clamp times vary by procedure complexity, with simple valve operations often completed in 60-90 minutes.
Usage
Usage note: Always expressed in minutes; critical quality metric in cardiac surgery reporting.
In Context
- "The cross-clamp time for the mitral valve repair was 78 minutes." — Operative report
- "Minimizing cross-clamp time is essential for reducing perioperative morbidity in elderly patients." — Quality improvement study