Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Prior to the invention and introduction of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), the scope of cardiac surgery was limited (Ismail A et al. Cardiopulmonary bypass. StatPearls Publishing, Treasure Island, 2021). With application of the heart-lung machine, the landscape of cardiac surgery shifted as the feasibility of open cardiac surgery drastically improved. Clinical application of the technology paved the way for the introduction of both the common and advanced cardiac surgeries performed today. An understanding of cardiopulmonary bypass is therefore crucial for the future cardiac surgeon.