Runaway pump head: new cause of gas embolism during cardiopulmonary bypass
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026

A Recovery Cardiopulmonary Bypass Model Without Transfusion or Inotropic Agents in Rats
Published on: March 23, 2018
Abstract:
Massive gas embolism was narrowly avoided during a recent case of cardiopulmonary bypass for aortic valve replacement. Cause of the mishap was an arterial pump head that had rapidly accelerated spontaneously, emptying the oxygenator of blood within seconds. No gas entered the patient's vascular system, but a period of circulatory arrest was required in order to purge the extracorporeal circuit of gas and to re-establish blood flow. Only an instantaneous response by the perfusionist prevented massive gas embolism.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Respiratory Failure-III
Pneumothorax-I
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary Edema II: Pathophysiology
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

