cross-clamp time
Duration that the aorta is clamped during cardiac surgery, directly correlating with ischemic time and surgical risk.
Full Definition
Cross-clamp time refers to the duration that the aortic cross-clamp is applied during cardiac surgery, effectively stopping coronary blood flow and creating myocardial ischemia. This period begins when the clamp is placed across the ascending aorta and ends when it is removed, allowing resumption of coronary perfusion. Cross-clamp time is a critical determinant of postoperative myocardial function and overall surgical risk. Longer cross-clamp times are associated with increased risk of ventricular dysfunction, arrhythmias, and mortality. In pediatric cardiac surgery, minimizing cross-clamp time while achieving complete repair is a fundamental surgical principle.
Usage
Usage note: Always express in minutes; times over 120-150 minutes are generally considered prolonged in pediatric surgery.
In Context
- "The complex repair was completed with a cross-clamp time of 127 minutes and excellent hemostasis." — operative note
- "Prolonged cross-clamp time of 180 minutes resulted in temporary postoperative ventricular dysfunction." — operative note