ABSTRACT
Although the perfusion technology has evolved, the principles of the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) machine have remained consistent since the earliest clinical application by Gibbon in 1953. The aims are to provide:
● adequate gas exchange whilst the heart and lungs are out of the circulation ● adequate systemic blood flow ● means of controlling body temperature to any desirable level ● facilities for salvage and safe re-transfusion of blood from the surgical field.
