Membranlunger

Membranlunger, also known as artificial lungs or extracorporeal membrane oxygenators (ECMO), are medical devices used to support patients with severe respiratory or cardiopulmonary failure. These devices essentially take over the function of the lungs, or sometimes both the heart and lungs, by artificially oxygenating the blood and removing carbon dioxide.

The core of a membranlunge is a membrane that acts as a gas exchanger. Blood from the patient is pumped through the device, where it comes into close proximity with a gas mixture, typically containing oxygen and carbon dioxide. The oxygen in the gas mixture diffuses across the membrane into the blood, while carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the gas mixture, which is then vented. This process effectively mimics the gas exchange that occurs in healthy lungs.

Membranlunger can be used in various clinical settings, including intensive care units and during transport of critically ill patients. They are employed for conditions such as severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and sometimes as a bridge to lung transplantation. The duration of treatment can range from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the patient's condition and response. Use of membranlunger carries risks and requires careful monitoring by a specialized medical team.