Final answer:
De-airing the heart involves removing air from the cardiac chambers to prevent blockage of blood flow or embolism. It is done by manually manipulating the heart and using suction devices during surgery, and can be critical during procedures like heart transplants.
Step-by-step explanation:
De-airing the heart refers to the process of removing air that may have entered the cardiac chambers, particularly during surgical procedures such as a heart transplantation or after opening the heart chambers for intervention. It is essential because air bubbles in the heart can obstruct blood flow or cause emboli, which are life-threatening. De-airing is typically accomplished by manual manipulation and orientation of the heart to allow air to rise and be expelled through the heart chambers or aorta, augmented by the use of suction devices. Additionally, in some cases, a ventricular assist device (VAD) may be used to help maintain circulation while the heart is being de-aired. Understanding the cardiac cycle including systole and diastole is important for effective de-airing as the correct timing of the process in relation to the heart's contractions can facilitate the removal of air. Technologies such as external automated defibrillators (EADs) are crucial for correcting arrhythmias but not immediately related to the process of de-airing the heart.