Importance

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Abstract

A heart/lung machine base reduces tubing length by reducing the distance between the arterial pump and the surgical table. This is accomplished by providing a lift which will raise and lower the base in order to follow the movement of the surgical table. In this manner, slack in the tubing is unnecessary. Also, the cardioplegia pump can be positioned on an upper shelf in a relatively close position to the oxygenator. Tubing to the cardioplegia pump can therefore be reduced. To further minimize tubing length, the disposables can be configured in a generally straight line between the arterial pump and the patient. In order to maintain access and visibility of the vent and sucker pumps which are located beneath the cardioplegia shelf, an incline platform is provided. The arterial pump is positioned outwardly of uprights of the base such that its access and visibility is unhindered. Because of a mirror-image configuration for the base, it can readily be used in either a right-sided or left-sided configuration. An intruder discouraging device can be provided to protect the fragile components of the heart/lung machine from damage by personnel at the surgical field. In this manner, the heart/lung machine can be positioned relatively close to the surgical table in order to reduce tubing length.

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First Claim