Abstract The primary function of the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) machine is maintaining systemic perfusion while the heart is under manipulation, its chambers are open or it suffers severe dysfunction. The CPB circuit consists of a reservoir, blood pump, oxygenator, heat exchanger, arterial filter, cardioplegia delivery device and cannulae, interconnected by various-sized tubing. Venous cannu…
Abstract Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at increased risk of morbidity, perioperative cardiac arrest and 30-day mortality from major and minor surgical procedures compared to healthy children. Factors associated with greatest risk are the complexity of cardiac disease and the physiological status of the child. Therefore the anaesthetist must understand balanced and single ven…
Abstract One of the biggest challenges for anaesthetists today is the safe conduct of anaesthesia for patients who might be elderly, have pre-existing cardiac disease and are scheduled to undergo non-cardiac surgery. Within the financial constraints of today’s health services, the appropriate investigations need to be decided and performed for these patients in order to inform the anaesthet…
Abstract Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery may be undertaken with or without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) that is on- or off-pump. Although off-pump has a slightly higher mortality, it associated with a lower incidences of short-term complications, compared with on-pump CABG surgery favouring enhanced recovery. High-dose opioid techniques of general anaesthesia should be avoided …