Abstract: A safety air diverter for use in open-heart surgery comprises a perfusate chamber having an air outlet port in fluid communication with the interior of the perfusate chamber, a perfusate outlet port in fluid communication with the interior of the perfusate chamber opposite and in axial alignment with the air outlet port, and a perfusate inlet port in fluid communication with the interior of the perfusate chamber. A fluid containment and air exit line extends outwardly from the air outlet port, while a purge line provides fluid communication between the fluid containment and air exit line and the perfusate inlet port. A pressure responsive ball valve travels in a track in communication with and in axial alignment with the air outlet port, and selectively seats in an O-ring positioned in the air outlet port. The track can extend to and be in communication with the perfusate outlet port, with an O-ring also positioned adjacent the perfusate outlet port.