Sydämenkeuhkiskoneen

Sydämenkeuhkiskoneen is a Finnish term that translates to "heart-lung machine" or "cardiopulmonary bypass machine." This crucial piece of medical equipment is used during open-heart surgery to temporarily take over the function of the heart and lungs. By circulating the patient's blood, oxygenating it, and removing carbon dioxide, the machine allows surgeons to operate on a still, bloodless heart.

The sydämenkeuhkiskoneen typically consists of a pump, an oxygenator, and various reservoirs and tubing. Blood is drawn from the body, usually from large veins, and routed to the machine. The oxygenator adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide, mimicking the function of the lungs. The pump then returns the oxygenated blood to the arterial system, maintaining circulation throughout the body. This process is carefully monitored by a perfusionist, a specialized technician.

The development of the sydämenkeuhkiskoneen revolutionized cardiac surgery, making complex procedures that were previously impossible now routine. It enables surgeons to perform repairs and replacements on the heart valves, arteries, and chambers with greater precision and safety. Without the sydämenkeuhkiskoneen, many life-saving cardiac interventions would not be feasible.