életfenntartó

életfenntartó is a Hungarian term that translates to "life support" in English. It refers to medical treatments and technologies that assist or replace the function of failing vital organs, enabling a person to survive when their body can no longer sustain itself. These interventions are typically employed in critical care settings, such as intensive care units (ICUs), when a patient's condition is life-threatening.

The concept of életfenntartó encompasses a wide range of medical devices and procedures. Common examples include mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure, dialysis for kidney failure, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for severe cardiac or pulmonary dysfunction. These technologies aim to bridge the gap until the patient's organs can recover or to provide a temporary solution while awaiting organ transplantation.

The decision to initiate or withdraw életfenntartó is often complex and involves medical professionals, the patient (if capable), and their family. Ethical considerations, quality of life, and the likelihood of recovery are typically weighed carefully. The goal of életfenntartó is to preserve life and provide an opportunity for recovery, but it also raises questions about the definition of life and the extent to which medical intervention should prolong it. The term highlights the critical role of advanced medical technology in modern healthcare for managing severe illness and injury.