Heart-Lung Machine

The Heart-Lung Machine is a device that replaces the functions of the heart and lungs during heart surgery. It includes a pump that maintains blood circulation and a special device for enriching it with oxygen. Blood is taken from the body through special tubes inserted into the superior and inferior vena cava, and oxygenated blood is returned under pressure to one of the large arteries (for example, the femoral artery). In this case, the surgeon may repair or replace the affected valves or perform other surgery on the heart and major blood vessels.