Technical Skills and Equipment Operation Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of an oxygenator in a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) system?

Answer: To exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood

The oxygenator is a critical component of the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) system, often referred to as the 'artificial lung.' Its primary purpose is to mimic the gas exchange function of the lungs. It adds oxygen to the patient's deoxygenated blood and simultaneously removes carbon dioxide before the blood is returned to the systemic circulation, ensuring vital gas exchange during heart surgery.

How should a perfusionist handle an alarm indicating low arterial pressure during CPB?

Answer: Check the connections and flow rate, and then assess the patient’s condition

An alarm indicating low arterial pressure during CPB is a serious event requiring immediate and systematic troubleshooting. The perfusionist should first check all circuit connections for dislodgement or kinks and verify the pump's flow rate to ensure adequate blood delivery. Simultaneously, assessing the patient’s clinical condition provides crucial context and guides further intervention to stabilize hemodynamics.

What is the recommended procedure for priming the CPB circuit before initiating cardiopulmonary bypass?

Answer: Prime the circuit with a mixture of blood and saline, ensuring no air bubbles are present

Priming the CPB circuit is a critical preparatory step to remove all air and fill it with a suitable solution before connecting to the patient. The circuit is typically primed with a crystalloid solution (like saline) and often includes blood products, ensuring it is completely free of air bubbles. Air in the circuit can lead to a catastrophic air embolism if introduced into the patient's bloodstream, making thorough priming essential.

When troubleshooting a malfunctioning CPB machine, which of the following steps should be performed first?

Answer: Review the machine’s operational manual and perform a visual inspection

When troubleshooting a malfunctioning CPB machine, the first and most logical step is to consult the machine's operational manual and perform a thorough visual inspection. This allows the perfusionist to identify obvious issues like disconnections, kinks, or component failures and to follow manufacturer-recommended troubleshooting protocols. This systematic approach helps diagnose the problem efficiently and safely before resorting to more drastic measures.

What is the purpose of a bubble detector in a CPB system?

Answer: To detect and alert the presence of air bubbles in the blood circuit

A bubble detector is an essential safety feature integrated into a CPB system. Its primary purpose is to continuously monitor the blood flowing through the circuit for the presence of any air bubbles. If air is detected, the alarm alerts the perfusionist, allowing for immediate intervention to prevent air from entering the patient's systemic circulation, which could cause a severe and potentially fatal air embolism.