extrakorporal

Extrakorporal is an adjective used in medical contexts to describe processes, devices, or therapies conducted outside the body, with the patient’s biological fluids (most commonly blood) circulating through an external apparatus. The term combines Latin extra “outside” and corpus “body” and is common in German-language sources; in English, the equivalent is extracorporeal.

Typical extrakorporal applications include extracorporeal circulation, where a heart-lung machine temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs during operations; extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), which provides prolonged cardiopulmonary support; hemodialysis and hemofiltration, where blood is filtered outside the body to remove wastes; plasma exchange (plasmapheresis).

Underlying principle is an external circuit that controls flow, pressure, and gas exchange, usually with cannulas, tubing, pumps, oxygenators, and filters. Such procedures require anticoagulation to prevent clotting, strict sterile technique to minimize infection, and careful monitoring of circuit function, hemodynamics, and electrolyte balance. Complications include bleeding, infection, thrombosis, air embolism, and circuit failure.

In clinical practice, extrakorporal procedures are chosen based on urgency, underlying condition, and resource availability. The concept contrasts with intracorporeal approaches, which operate wholly within the body. The term is used across several languages, including German and Dutch, with close English equivalents.