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Professional Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

cannulation

Pronunciation: kan-yoo-LAY-shun

Surgical placement of tubes (cannulae) into blood vessels to establish cardiopulmonary bypass circuit.

Full Definition

Cannulation is the surgical procedure of inserting cannulae into major blood vessels to establish the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit. Arterial cannulation is typically performed in the ascending aorta or femoral artery for blood return, while venous cannulation involves the right atrium or vena cavae for blood drainage. Proper cannulation technique and positioning are critical for adequate bypass flow and prevention of complications such as air embolism or vessel injury.

Usage

Usage note: Specify arterial and venous cannulation sites in documentation for clarity.

In Context

  • "Aortic and right atrial cannulation were completed without complications." — Operative report
  • "Bicaval cannulation was performed for complete cardiac isolation during valve repair." — Surgical technique note

Also known as

vessel cannulation bypass cannulation

Contrasted with

decannulation

Don't confuse with

intubation catheterization

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