Technique

Elimination of Arterial Line Clamping when Coming Off Bypass with Centrifugal Pumps with the Centri-Safe™ Valve In-Line

Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Temple University/Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

^* Address correspondence to: Jacob Kolff, MD Department of Surgery Temple University/Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center 1086 Franklin St. Johnstown, PA 15905

Abstract

Retrograde blood flow through the aortic cannula into the cardiopulmonary circuit may lead to aortic air emboli when nonocclusive centrifugal pumps are used. Perfusionists have been taught to clamp the arterial line to prevent retrograde flow when the pump fails. They also have to protect against the possibility of air entering the arterial cannula when low flows are requested or when the patient is taken off bypass. The present report details the advantages of having a check valve placed in-line with the arterial cannula during centrifugal blood pumping. It will allow weaning patients from cardiopulmonary bypass without the use of arterial line clamping.