A Simple Technique for Removal of Residual Air after Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB)

Abstract

Air embolism from the left heart cavities after cardiopulmonary bypass still carries a high mortality and morbidity. To prevent this danger we have standardized a surgical technique basically consisting of establishing an acute arteriovenous fistula between the ascending aorta and the right atrium immediately after coming off bypass. A retrospective analysis of neurological complications showed that in 457 valvular patients operated upon before the use of this technique, 33 had neurological lesions (7.2 %), as opposed to 34 out of 834 patients (4.1 %) after its use (p < 0.025).