de-airing
The process of removing air bubbles from the cardiac chambers and great vessels before discontinuing cardiopulmonary bypass.
Full Definition
De-airing is a critical step in cardiac surgery performed before weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass to remove air that has entered the cardiac chambers and arterial circulation during the procedure. Air embolism can cause serious complications including stroke, myocardial infarction, and organ dysfunction. The process involves systematic filling of the heart with blood while using various maneuvers such as lung inflation, Trendelenburg positioning, and gentle cardiac manipulation to mobilize air bubbles. Transesophageal echocardiography is often used to visualize and confirm removal of air from the cardiac chambers, particularly the left ventricle and aortic root.
Usage
Usage note: Usually hyphenated; avoid confusion with 'airing' which means ventilation.
In Context
- "Careful de-airing was performed under TEE guidance before weaning from bypass." — operative report
- "The de-airing process included multiple cycles of cardiac filling and gentle massage to evacuate residual air." — procedural description