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
An inline blood gas monitor in the CPB circuit provides continuous measurement of:
Answer: pH, PO2, PCO2, and oxygen saturation of blood in real time
Inline blood gas monitors use optical or electrochemical sensors in the circuit to provide continuous real-time arterial and venous blood gas values without interrupting flow.
The activated clotting time (ACT) machine used during CPB measures:
Answer: Whole blood clotting time to assess heparin anticoagulation adequacy
The ACT measures whole blood clotting time using an activator (e.g., kaolin or celite), providing a bedside assessment of heparin effect to maintain adequate anticoagulation during CPB.
A bubble detector alarm in the arterial line of the CPB circuit should prompt the perfusionist to FIRST:
Answer: Stop the pump and clamp the arterial line to prevent air from reaching the patient
Upon bubble detection in the arterial line, immediate cessation of pump flow and arterial line clamping prevents air embolism, the highest priority in this emergency.
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during cardiac surgery is used to monitor:
Answer: Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) as a surrogate of cerebral perfusion
NIRS uses near-infrared light to measure regional cerebral oxygen saturation noninvasively, helping detect cerebral hypoperfusion or desaturation during CPB.
The purpose of the left ventricular vent during CPB is to:
Answer: Decompress the left ventricle by removing blood that enters via bronchial and thebesian veins
The LV vent removes blood that continues to enter the left ventricle (via bronchial, thebesian, and other communications) during bypass, preventing ventricular distension and reducing myocardial rewarming.
A sudden drop in venous reservoir level during CPB without a change in pump flow should prompt evaluation for:
Answer: Obstruction of the venous cannula or venous line
Falling reservoir level without output changes indicates reduced venous return, most commonly due to venous cannula malposition, kinking, or obstruction of the venous drainage line.
Trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) is used by the perfusionist team to assist with:
Answer: Confirming adequate de-airing of cardiac chambers before separation from bypass
TEE is used immediately before and after CPB separation to visualize and confirm removal of intracardiac air, preventing air embolism upon resumption of cardiac ejection.