
Pump-oxygenator
A pump-oxygenator is a medical device used during heart surgery to temporarily take over the functions of the heart and lungs. It mechanically pumps blood and adds oxygen to it, removing carbon dioxide, so that the patient's body can continue to receive oxygen-rich blood while their heart is stopped. This device is an essential part of cardiopulmonary bypass, enabling surgeons to operate on the heart safely and effectively. Essentially, it acts as a temporary, external heart-lung machine, maintaining vital blood circulation and oxygenation during complex cardiac procedures.