sydämenkeuhkiskoneet

Sydämenkeuhkiskoneet, commonly known as heart-lung machines or cardiopulmonary bypass machines, are crucial medical devices used during cardiac surgery and other procedures requiring the temporary cessation of the heart and lungs' function. These machines take over the role of these vital organs, circulating and oxygenating the blood for the patient.

The core function of a heart-lung machine is to divert blood from the body, bypassing the heart and lungs. Deoxygenated blood is drawn from the body, typically via large cannulas placed in the major veins, and directed to the machine. Inside the machine, the blood passes through an oxygenator, where it is exposed to oxygen and carbon dioxide is removed, mimicking the function of the lungs.

Once oxygenated, the blood is pumped back into the patient's arterial system, usually through an artery like the aorta, thereby maintaining circulation throughout the body. This allows the surgical team to operate on a still, bloodless heart or to manage patients with severe respiratory or circulatory failure. The machine's flow rate and oxygen levels are carefully monitored and adjusted by perfusionists, highly trained specialists who operate and manage the cardiopulmonary bypass.

The use of heart-lung machines has revolutionized cardiac surgery, enabling complex procedures that were previously impossible. While highly effective, they do carry potential risks, and their use is carefully considered based on the patient's condition and the nature of the surgery. Despite these considerations, these machines remain an indispensable tool in modern medicine.