Which of the following is not a function of the cardiotomy reservoir?

The cardiotomy reservoir is an integral component of the cardiopulmonary bypass system, primarily designed to handle blood that may be reintroduced into circulation during cardiac surgery. One of its primary functions is to act as a holder for excess blood volume, ensuring that any blood lost during the procedure is collected and can be processed.

Another critical function is the removal of pump sucker blood, which references the blood suctioned from the surgical field. This blood is often mixed with debris and other contaminants and should be processed and filtered before being reinfused into the patient.

The reservoir is also equipped with filtration mechanisms to ensure that any particles or debris present in the suctioned blood are removed, providing cleaner blood for reinfusion.

Providing irrigation to the surgical site is not a typical function of the cardiotomy reservoir. While irrigation is necessary during cardiac procedures, it is typically managed through separate systems designed expressly for that purpose. Therefore, identifying that irrigation is not one of the key functions of the cardiotomy reservoir highlights the distinct roles played by different components in the surgical setup.