Perfusion

• What is another name for Perfusion Technology?

  Cardiovascular Perfusion Technology
• What does Perfusion Technology involve?

  It involves the study of physiology, pathology, and equipment to support heart and lung function during surgery.
• Who is a perfusionist?

  An individual responsible for operating extracorporeal circulation equipment during surgery.
• What is the role of a perfusionist during surgery?

  They operate the heart-lung machine to maintain blood flow and gas levels in the blood.
• Are perfusionists considered physicians or nurses?

  No
• Why are perfusionists vital members of the cardiovascular surgical team?

  They are responsible for operating the equipment that supports circulation during surgery.
• What is the heart-lung machine also known as?

  Cardiopulmonary bypass machine
• What does the perfusionist monitor during surgery?

  They monitor blood cell count, blood gases, and circulation.
• Under whose direction does the perfusionist operate?

  Under the direction of the surgeon and anesthesiologist.
• What is the purpose of thermal manipulation during cardiac surgery?

  To maintain tissue viability by lowering the patient's temperature.
• What is perfusion derived from?

  The French word "perfuse," meaning "to pour over or through."
• What is the definition of perfusion?

  It is the process in which blood flows through microscopic vessels, allowing exchange of oxygen and molecules.
• What is the fluid used during perfusion called?

  Perfusate
• What is the role of the circulating nurse in the operating room?


  They are responsible for supplies and coordinating outside the operating room.
• What does the scrub nurse do during surgery?


  They assist the surgeon by providing necessary equipment during the procedure.
• What is the responsibility of the first assistant during heart surgery?


  They are responsible for closing the heart after the surgery.
• What is a pledget?

  It is an absorbent cotton used to stop bleeding.
• What is the purpose of a Rummel tourniquet?

  It provides pressure against the knot to ensure hemostasis.
• What is the function of the aortic root vent?

  It delivers cardioplegia solution to the heart via the coronary atria.
• What is cold potassium used for during surgery?

  It is responsible for lowering the temperature of the blood.
• What is the typical CPB circuit process?

  • Venous blood is drained into the reservoir by gravity.
  • Blood is pumped through the oxygenator.
  • Oxygenated blood returns to the patient's arterial system.
• Who is credited with the first mechanical cardiopulmonary bypass machine?

  John Gibbon in 1953.
• What are the components of the CPB machine and their functions?

  • Oxygenator system: Oxygenates and removes carbon dioxide.
  • Arterial pump: Pumps blood to the patient.
  • Cannulae: Connects the patient to the circuit.
• What does the gas line and FiO2 blender do?

  It delivers fresh gas to the oxygenator in a controlled mixture.
• What is the function of the arterial line filter?

  It removes microaggregates and particulate matter greater than 40 µm.
• What do cardioplegia systems do?

  They deliver high-dose potassium solutions to arrest the heart and preserve the myocardium.
• What are the monitoring components of the CPB machine?

  • Low-level alarm: Alerts when reservoir volume is low.
  • Pressure monitoring: Alerts when line pressure exceeds limits.
  • Bubble detector: Alerts when bubbles are sensed.
• What tubing size is commonly used for the arterial pump line?

  3/8" (9.0 mm)
• What is the most commonly used tubing material for CPB?

  PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
• What is an advantage of PVC tubing during CPB?

  It stiffens during the procedure, which is beneficial for hypothermic CPB.
• What is a disadvantage of PVC tubing?

  It tends to release plastic microparticles during use.
• What are the typical roles of the surgical team during heart surgery?

  • Perfusionist: Operates the heart-lung machine.
  • Scrub nurse: Assists the surgeon with tools.
  • First assistant: Closes the heart after surgery.
• What is the purpose of the diopulmonary bypass machine?

  It facilitates extracorporeal circulation during surgery.
• What are the common tubing sizes used in the extracorporeal circuit for adults?

  • 3/16” (4.5mm): Cardioplegia section
  • 1/4” (6.0mm): Suction tubing
  • 3/8" (9.0 mm): Arterial pump line for flow rates <6.7 L/min
  • 1/2" (12.0 mm): Venous line for gravity drainage
• Why is PVC the most commonly used tubing material in the extracorporeal circuit?

  Because it is a fairly rigid plastic that is highly flexible.
• What is a disadvantage of using PVC tubing during hypothermic CPB?

  It tends to release plastic microparticles from the inner wall.
• What is the advantage of using silicone tubing in the extracorporeal circuit?

  It causes less hemolysis compared to PVC.
• What is a disadvantage of using latex rubber tubing?

  It generates more hemolysis than PVC.
• What is the purpose of cannulae in the extracorporeal circuit?

  To connect the patient to the circuit and CPB machine.
• Why are thin-walled cannulae preferred in the extracorporeal circuit?

  They have lower resistance to flow due to a larger effective internal diameter.