Gastric POCUS, 3-Part Episode

For cardiopulmonary bypass to be instituted, an arterial cannula is placed in the ascending aorta and venous cannulae are placed in the right atrium to drain deoxygenated blood from the patient. This blood is directed to the bypass circuit where it is oxygenated and CO2 is eliminated. Blood is then returned to the patient via the arterial cannula in the aorta. During placement of the venous cannula in the right atrium, surgical manipulation can and often does trigger arrhythmias: the most common being atrial fibrillation. Cessation or limited mechanical stimulation is recommended if arrhythmias occur. Often, this alone corrects the problem. Other maneuvers that may be successful include giving a fluid bolus, titrating vasoactive medications and cardioversion.