Cardiac Surgery Sample Flashcards
7 cards from real CSC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Cardiac Surgery Sample flashcards as text
Which cannulation site is preferred for arterial inflow in patients with severe ascending aortic atherosclerosis?
Answer: Axillary artery
The axillary artery is preferred in patients with porcelain aorta or severe ascending aortic atherosclerosis because it provides antegrade flow and avoids the diseased aorta.
During mitral valve repair, the P2 scallop of the posterior leaflet is resected and reapproximated. What additional step is routinely performed to prevent systolic anterior motion (SAM)?
Answer: Ring annuloplasty
Ring annuloplasty reduces the annular diameter and remodels the mitral valve, which is essential to prevent SAM and ensure durable repair after posterior leaflet resection.
A patient on cardiopulmonary bypass develops a sudden increase in arterial line pressure with decreased venous return. What is the most likely cause?
Answer: Venous air lock
Air entrained into the venous line creates a vapor lock that obstructs venous drainage, leading to high arterial pressure and decreased venous return to the pump.
Which conduit has the best long-term patency for coronary artery bypass grafting to the left anterior descending artery?
Answer: Left internal mammary artery
The left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to LAD bypass has over 90% patency at 10 years, far superior to vein grafts, making it the gold standard conduit.
In aortic valve replacement, what is the primary advantage of a sutureless bioprosthetic valve?
Answer: Reduced cross-clamp time
Sutureless valves are secured without individual sutures, significantly reducing aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times, which benefits high-risk patients.
What is the most common cause of late failure of saphenous vein coronary bypass grafts beyond 5 years?
Answer: Atherosclerosis
Beyond 5 years, atherosclerosis within the vein graft is the dominant mechanism of late graft failure, accelerated by the arterial hemodynamic environment.
Which electrolyte abnormality is most commonly associated with cardiac arrhythmias following cardiopulmonary bypass?
Answer: Hypomagnesemia
Hypomagnesemia is very common after CPB due to hemodilution and urinary losses, and predisposes patients to atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.