Perfusion safety checklists and emergency response procedures for air embolism, pump failure, and other bypass complications.
33 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What is the purpose of a pre-bypass checklist performed by the perfusionist before every case?
- Systematically verifying that circuit setup, safety devices, anticoagulation, and backup equipment are all ready before initiating bypass
- Name three safety devices that should be confirmed functional on every pre-bypass checklist.
- The arterial line bubble detector, the venous reservoir level sensor, and the arterial line pressure monitor
- What is the first immediate action if massive air embolism is suspected in the arterial line during bypass?
- Immediately stop the arterial pump to prevent further air from being pumped into the patient
- After stopping the pump for a suspected massive arterial air embolism, what position is the patient typically placed in?
- Steep Trendelenburg (head-down) position to help keep air from reaching the cerebral circulation
- What is a common strategy to help clear air already delivered to the arterial system in a massive air embolism event?
- Retrograde cerebral perfusion or aggressive de-airing maneuvers, along with resuming perfusion carefully once air is cleared from the field and circuit
- What is the recommended immediate action if the venous reservoir level drops critically low, risking air entrainment into the arterial pump?
- Reduce or stop arterial pump flow and correct venous drainage before air can be pumped forward
- What should the perfusionist do first in the event of a total electrical power failure to the CPB console?
- Confirm battery backup engagement, and if pump function is lost, immediately hand-crank the arterial pump to maintain flow
- Why must every CPB pump console have a functioning hand crank readily accessible during setup?
- It is the primary backup method to maintain circulatory support if the electric drive motor fails
- What is the appropriate response if the oxygenator fails to adequately oxygenate blood (oxygenator failure)?
- Prepare to switch to a backup oxygenator or circuit while maintaining flow, notifying the surgical team immediately
- Why does every perfusion setup include a backup oxygenator and circuit components readily available in the room?
- To allow rapid circuit or component exchange if a primary component fails during a case
- What is the immediate concern if arterial line pressure suddenly rises sharply during bypass?
- Possible arterial cannula malposition, kinked line, or aortic dissection, requiring the surgical team to be alerted immediately
- What is aortic dissection during CPB cannulation, and why is it a surgical emergency?
- A tear in the aortic wall creating a false lumen from cannulation trauma or high-pressure jet injury, which can rapidly compromise perfusion and requires immediate surgical management
- What immediate perfusion action is needed if a raised arterial line pressure suggests possible dissection?
- Stop or reduce arterial pump flow immediately and alert the surgeon so the cannula position and aorta can be evaluated
- What is the appropriate response to a sudden, unexplained drop in arterial line pressure with continued flow output?
- Suspect a line disconnection or rupture and immediately inspect the entire arterial pathway for a leak
- Why is a clamp kept on the field at all times during bypass, readily accessible to the perfusion and surgical team?
- To immediately occlude a line in the event of a tubing rupture, disconnection, or air entrainment emergency
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