Aortic cross-clamp

Aortic Cross-Clamp is a surgical tool used in cardiovascular surgery to occlude the aorta, the main artery in the human body. This procedure is typically performed during open heart surgery and aortic surgery to prevent blood flow to certain areas of the body, allowing surgeons to operate on a bloodless field.

Overview

The aortic cross-clamp is applied to the aorta, effectively blocking blood flow beyond the point of application. This allows surgeons to perform procedures on the heart or aorta without blood flowing through the area being operated on. The cross-clamp is typically applied after the patient is placed on cardiopulmonary bypass, a machine that takes over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery.

Procedure

During an aortic cross-clamp procedure, the surgeon first places the patient on cardiopulmonary bypass. Once the bypass machine is functioning properly, the surgeon applies the aortic cross-clamp to the aorta. The location of the clamp depends on the specific procedure being performed. For example, during coronary artery bypass grafting, the clamp is typically applied to the ascending aorta.

Risks and Complications

While the aortic cross-clamp is a vital tool in cardiovascular surgery, its use is not without risks. Potential complications include stroke, myocardial infarction, and kidney failure. These risks are due to the lack of blood flow to certain areas of the body while the clamp is in place. To minimize these risks, surgeons aim to use the clamp for the shortest time possible.

See Also

• Cardiovascular surgery
• Cardiopulmonary bypass
• Coronary artery bypass grafting

References

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