Definition

Noun: A heart-lung machine is a medical device that temporarily takes over the functions of the heart and lungs during certain surgical procedures, particularly open-heart surgery. It pumps and oxygenates the patient's blood, allowing circulation to be maintained while the heart is stopped.

Usage

The term is used specifically in medical and surgical contexts to refer to the critical piece of equipment that enables complex cardiac operations. - The surgeon relied on the heart-lung machine to keep the patient alive during the bypass operation. - Modern heart-lung machines are highly sophisticated and computer-controlled.

Advanced Usage

• To be on/connected to the heart-lung machine: This phrase describes the patient's state during surgery.
  • The patient was on the heart-lung machine for three hours while the surgical team repaired the heart valve.

Variants and Related Words

• Cardiopulmonary bypass machine: This is a technical synonym for a heart-lung machine.
  • The procedure required the use of a cardiopulmonary bypass machine.
• Perfusionist: (Noun) A medical professional who operates the heart-lung machine during surgery.
  • The perfusionist monitored the heart-lung machine throughout the operation.

Synonyms

• Pump-oxygenator: A less common technical term highlighting its two main functions (pumping and oxygenating blood).

Noun

1. a pump to maintain circulation during heart surgery; diverts blood from the heart and oxygenates it and then pumps it through the body