Extracorporeal circulation and cardiopulmonary bypass are synonymous terms denoting a method by which the blood that usually returns directly to the heart is temporarily drained from the superior and inferior venae cavae. The blood is diverted into a reservoir, where it is oxygenated and subsequently returned to the patient’s arterial circulation. This process effectually excludes the heart from the general circulation and leaves it empty so that it can accommodate surgical intervention. Myocardial protection To provide a dry, motionless, operative area, a cross-clamp is placed across the ascending aorta above the coronary ostia and proximal to the aortic cannula, thus isolating the coronary circulation and preventing blood entering the chambers of the heart. Therefore, techniques of myocardial protection are used to preserve myocardial function and prevent cell death. Cardioplegic techniques for myocardial protection involve the delivery of cardioplegic solution t...
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