Emergent cardiopulmonary bypass during cardiac surgery

Abstract

During orientation to the cardiac surgery operating room, new staff may not be exposed to emergent situations. Allowing team members the opportunity to practice their roles during less common, high-stakes emergency cardiac surgical scenarios may better prepare them when crises do arise in the OR. The Emergency Cardiopulmonary Bypass Course was developed to meet the needs of new staff starting in cardiac surgery. Recently, the course has expanded to include experienced staff. This communication describes a high fidelity simulation based course that includes four emergent cardiac surgery scenarios.