Hjärtlungmaskinens

Hjärtlungmaskinen, commonly referred to as a heart-lung machine, is a vital piece of medical equipment used during open-heart surgery. Its primary function is to temporarily take over the work of the heart and lungs. This allows surgeons to operate on a still and bloodless heart, a crucial requirement for many complex cardiac procedures. The machine circulates the patient's blood outside the body, replenishes it with oxygen, and removes carbon dioxide before returning it to the bloodstream.

The process involves cannulating major blood vessels, typically the aorta and the vena cavae, to divert blood to the heart-lung machine. A pump within the machine propels the blood, and an oxygenator, often called an artificial lung, facilitates gas exchange. The machine is carefully managed by a perfusionist, a highly specialized healthcare professional who monitors the patient's physiological status throughout the procedure. This includes managing blood flow rates, temperature, and fluid balance.

The development of the heart-lung machine revolutionized cardiac surgery, making previously impossible procedures feasible and significantly improving patient outcomes. Early versions of the technology were developed in the mid-20th century, with continuous advancements leading to the sophisticated and reliable devices used today. While immensely beneficial, the use of a heart-lung machine carries inherent risks, and its application is a carefully considered decision made by the surgical team based on the patient's specific condition and the nature of the surgery.