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Tue Jan 06 2009
  
 
 

 

Removal of Air Emboli In Vortex Head

If the venous reservoir completely empties of volume, the venous return is zero and air has entered the vortex head:

  • Clamp the arterial line and come off bypass.
  • Inform the Surgeon you have come off bypass.
  • Establish the problem with venous drainage, once drainage has returned the vortex head must be reprimed.
  • Clamp the arterial outlet of the oxygenator.
  • Remove the vortex head from the console, lower the head and remove the air.
  • Clamp the vortex head outlet.
  • Open the recirculation line.
  • Replace the vortex head on the console, increase the pump speed.
  • Release clamp at the vortex head outlet, removing the air.
  • Circulate for a couple of minutes until all the air has been removed and purged through the recirculation line.
  • Remove clamp from the arterial outlet of the oxygenator.
  • Initiate bypass again.
  • Increase Fi02
  • Increase arterial mean pressure, open recirculation line and maintain a high arterial mean pressure.
  • Note period off bypass.
  • Send arterial blood sample to check blood gas status.