Perfusion Equipment & Technology Operation Flashcards
7 cards from real CCP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Perfusion Equipment & Technology Operation flashcards as text
During veno-arterial ECMO (VA-ECMO), blood is typically drained from the:
Answer: Venous system (right atrium or femoral vein) and returned to the arterial system
VA-ECMO drains deoxygenated blood from the venous circulation and returns oxygenated blood to the arterial system, providing both cardiac and pulmonary support.
The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) improves myocardial oxygen supply primarily by:
Answer: Augmenting diastolic pressure and thus increasing coronary perfusion pressure
The IABP inflates during diastole, augmenting diastolic aortic pressure and improving coronary perfusion pressure when the coronary arteries are maximally open.
What is the function of the purge system in a centrifugal ventricular assist device (VAD)?
Answer: Flush the motor bearing or pivot with heparinized solution to prevent thrombus formation
The purge system continuously flushes the mechanical seal or bearing with heparinized dextrose solution to prevent thrombus formation at the pivot point of the device.
Roller pump occlusion is set by adjusting tubing compression so that the pump:
Answer: Delivers flow with minimal regurgitation while avoiding hemolysis from over-occlusion
Proper roller pump occlusion balances preventing backward flow (under-occlusion) against excessive red blood cell destruction (over-occlusion), typically set to allow a 1 cm/min retrograde drip.
During ECMO, a 'north-south syndrome' (differential hypoxia) is associated with:
Answer: VA-ECMO with peripheral cannulation when native cardiac function partially recovers
In peripheral VA-ECMO when native cardiac output recovers, well-oxygenated ECMO blood travels retrograde while poorly-oxygenated native cardiac output perfuses the upper body, causing upper body hypoxia.
The purpose of a pulsatility index (PI) displayed on a centrifugal VAD console is to:
Answer: Indicate the degree of native ventricular contractile contribution alongside the device
Pulsatility index reflects variation in pump flow caused by native ventricular ejection; a rising PI indicates improving native cardiac function, while a falling PI may signal deterioration.
Which safety feature in modern CPB roller pumps is designed to prevent massive air embolism in the event of a venous reservoir run-dry event?
Answer: Level sensor in the venous reservoir linked to an automatic pump shutoff
A reservoir level sensor connected to an automatic pump shutoff system stops the arterial roller pump when the venous reservoir drops to a critical low level, preventing air from entering the arterial circuit.