Weaning from Cardiopulmonary Bypass, Decannulation, and Closure
Although thoracotomy or newer, less-invasive options such as peripheral cannulation are being used more frequently for minimally invasive cardiac surgery, surgical access through a median sternotomy and central cannulation remain the cornerstones of cardiac surgery and residency training. It is of utmost importance to wean the patient properly from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This video tutorial discusses weaning the patient from CPB, decannulation, and closure of the sternotomy, and describes the safeguards and pitfalls of weaning from CPB.
