What type of infusion is required before initiating cardiopulmonary bypass?

Before initiating cardiopulmonary bypass, a heparin infusion is required to prevent coagulation during the procedure. Heparin is an anticoagulant that helps to inhibit the formation of blood clots in the circuit of the heart-lung machine, allowing for a free flow of blood and preventing thrombus formation. This is crucial as the bypass machine takes over the role of the heart and lungs, and any clotting could obstruct blood flow or cause embolic complications.

In the context of cardiopulmonary bypass, heparin is typically administered just prior to cannulation to ensure that the blood is adequately anticoagulated before it enters the bypass circuit. The efficacy of heparin can be monitored using activated clotting time (ACT), and additional doses may be administered as needed to maintain therapeutic anticoagulation during surgery.

Other types of infusions are not routinely required before beginning cardiopulmonary bypass. Adrenaline is a vasopressor and inotrope, commonly used during cardiac surgery but not for preparing the bypass circuit. Calcium is involved in blood coagulation and may be administered afterward if needed to counteract heparin's effects. Sodium bicarbonate is used to address acidosis but is not specifically part of the pre