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Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1982; 30(2): 117-119
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1022226
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© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

A Simple Technique for Removal of Residual Air after Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB)

J. I. Gallo, R. Martinez, B. Ruiz, C. M.G. Duran
  • Department of Cardiovascutar Surgery, National Medical Center Valdecilla, University of Santander, Santander, Spain
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Publication History

1981

Publication Date:
19 March 2008 (online)

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Summary

Air embolism from the left heart cavities after cardiopulmonary bypass still carries a high mortality and morbidity. To prevent this danger we have standardized a surgical technique basically consisting of establishing an acute arteriovenous fistula between the ascending aorta and the right atrium immediately after coming off bypass. A retrospective analysis of neurological complications showed that in 457 valvular patients operated upon before the use of this technique, 33 had neurological lesions (7.2 %), as opposed to 34 out of 834 patients (4.1 %) after its use (p < 0.025).

Key words

Air embolism - Neurological disturbances - Cardiopulmonary bypass