Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

What position is most commonly utilized for mitral valve replacement surgery?

1. Prone

2. Sims

3. Supine

4. Kraske

The correct answer is: Supine

The supine position is the most commonly utilized position for mitral valve replacement surgery because it provides optimal access to the chest cavity. This position allows the surgical team to perform a median sternotomy effectively, facilitating access to the heart and the mitral valve itself. It also ensures that the patient’s airway remains unobstructed and that they can be monitored easily throughout the procedure. In addition to optimizing the surgical approach, the supine position helps maintain proper hemodynamics and minimizes complications associated with other positioning methods. This positioning is crucial for anesthetic management as well, providing the necessary accessibility while ensuring patient safety throughout the surgery. Other positions, such as prone or Kraske, are not suitable for this type of surgery due to the anatomical requirements and the need for cardiovascular monitoring and access to the chest.