Helkroppsekstrakorporal

Helkroppsekstrakorporal is a term used in speculative discussions and theoretical bioengineering to describe a hypothetical system that would provide extracorporeal, whole-body support. The word fuses helkropp (whole body) with ekstrakorporal (extracorporeal) and korporal (bodily), signaling an integrated approach to outside-the-body medical care. There is no widely accepted clinical definition or implementation of the concept.

In theory, a helkroppsekstrakorporal system would gather blood or other bodily fluids, subject them to multiple simultaneous therapies outside the body, and return them in a controlled, coordinated manner. Such a platform would aim to combine cardiopulmonary support (oxygenation and circulation) with multi-organ therapies, potentially including renal replacement, hepatic detoxification, immunomodulation, and metabolic regulation. The goal would be to sustain or restore homeostasis across the organism as a single, unified intervention.

Relation to existing technologies is central to understanding the concept. Current technologies—such as ECMO for circulatory and respiratory support, dialysis for kidney function, liver assist devices for hepatic support, and plasmapheresis for immune modulation—operate on extracorporeal principles but usually focus on one organ system at a time. A true helkroppsekstrakorporal system would integrate these modalities into a single, automated platform with centralized control and feedback.

Challenges are substantial, including biocompatibility, thrombosis, infection risk, energy and size requirements, and ethical considerations regarding life-sustaining interventions. At present, helkroppsekstrakorporal remains a theoretical construct rather than a clinical reality. See also ECMO, dialysis, liver assist devices, and bioartificial organs.