Change Out of Vortex Head

If the vortex head is damaged or leaking and it is not possible to continue on bypass in a safe manner, the vortex head must be changed. You will need someone to assist you. A new vortex head must be available.

• Inform the Surgeon and Anaesthetist of your intention to change the vortex head.
• Come off bypass and ensure you have adequate volume in your venous reservoir for extra priming of the vortex head.
• Clamp the outlet tubing and immediately turn the pump off.
• Squeeze the tubing distal to this clamp and place another clamp approximately 2 inches from the first clamp.
• Double clamp the inlet tubing in a similar manner.
• Cut the inlet tubing close to the clamp, which is closest to the pump.
• Attach the inlet tubing to the inlet of the new vortex head.
• Cut the inlet tubing close to the clamp, which is closest to the pump, have someone hold the clamped tubing while the new vortex head is being primed.
• Gradually fill the new vortex head by slowly releasing the inlet clamp. Continue to fill the new vortex head slowly until the blood has reached the outlet cap and clamp the inlet tubing.
• Remove the outlet cap.
• As the outlet tubing is being attached:
  (a) Partially open the inlet tubing clamp to purge the remaining air from the connection site
  Or
  (b) Use the prime syringe to fill the tubing as the connection is being made
• Remove old vortex head from pump receptacle and insert the new vortex head.
• Re-zero the flow probe.
• Remove all inlet tubing clamps.
• Turn up pump revolutions and release outlet tubing clamps to resume flow.
• Initiate bypass again and note period off bypass.
• Inform Surgeon and Anaesthetist that bypass has been recommenced.