What are the fundamental principles of cardiopulmonary bypass?

What are the essential components of a standard CPB circuit?

What are the common sites for arterial cannulation and their pros and cons?

Explain the difference between gravity siphon and vacuum-assisted venous drainage.

What are the physiological effects of hemodilution during CPB?

What is the mechanism of action for heparin in the context of CPB?

How does Activated Clotting Time (ACT) work and what are its limitations?

What is heparin resistance and how is it managed?

Describe the types of protamine reactions and their management.

What are the key coagulation tests used during and after CPB (e.g., TEG, ROTEM)?

What are the primary goals of cardioplegia?

Compare and contrast blood cardioplegia and crystalloid cardioplegia.

What are the components and rationale behind Del Nido cardioplegia?

Differentiate between antegrade and retrograde cardioplegia delivery.

What is a 'hot shot' and when is it administered?

How does a membrane oxygenator facilitate gas exchange?

Explain the alpha-stat versus pH-stat strategies for acid-base management during hypothermia.

How is PaCO2 controlled while on CPB?

Why is monitoring oxygen delivery (DO2) and consumption (VO2) important?

What are the common causes of metabolic acidosis during CPB?

What are the common causes of low venous return and how do you troubleshoot them?

What does high arterial line pressure indicate and what are the appropriate actions?

How do you manage a massive air embolism during CPB?

What are the signs of oxygenator failure and how do you manage it?

What is 'chatter' in the venous line and what does it signify?

What are the key differences between ECMO and conventional CPB?

Explain the difference between Veno-Venous (VV) and Veno-Arterial (VA) ECMO.

What are the general indications for initiating ECMO support?

What are the most common complications associated with ECMO?

Describe the general principles of weaning a patient from ECMO.