cardiopulmonary bypass
A technique using a heart-lung machine to temporarily take over cardiac and pulmonary function during surgery.
Full Definition
Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a technique that uses a mechanical heart-lung machine to temporarily assume the function of the heart and lungs during cardiac surgery. Blood is diverted from the heart and lungs through plastic tubing to the bypass machine, where it is oxygenated and carbon dioxide is removed before being pumped back into the patient's arterial system. This allows the surgeon to operate on a motionless, bloodless heart. The procedure requires systemic anticoagulation with heparin and careful monitoring of multiple parameters including flow rates, pressures, and blood gas levels.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as CPB in clinical documentation
In Context
- "The patient was placed on cardiopulmonary bypass with aortic and bicaval cannulation." — operative report
- "Weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass was accomplished without inotropic support." — operative report