Membranlunge

Membranlunge is a German term that translates to "membrane lung." It refers to a type of artificial lung used in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). ECMO is a life support technique that provides prolonged cardiac and/or respiratory support to persons whose heart and/or lungs are so severely diseased or dysfunctional that they cannot sustain life. The membranlunge is the component of the ECMO circuit that facilitates gas exchange.

The membranlunge works by mimicking the function of natural lungs. Blood is drawn from the patient's body, passed through the membranlunge, where oxygen is added and carbon dioxide is removed, and then returned to the body. This process allows the patient's heart and lungs to rest and heal. The "membrane" aspect refers to the semipermeable membrane within the device that separates the blood from a gas source, typically oxygen and carbon dioxide. This membrane allows for the diffusion of gases but prevents the blood and gas from mixing directly.

Various types of membranlunges exist, differing in their design, material, and efficiency. These devices are crucial for patients with severe respiratory failure, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or certain cardiac conditions. Their use is generally reserved for critical care situations where conventional treatments have failed. The application of membranlunges requires specialized medical expertise and a dedicated ECMO team.