Heart lung bypass, also known as cardiopulmonary bypass, refers to a medical procedure used during open-heart surgeries to temporarily take over the functions of the heart and lungs. It involves diverting the patient's blood away from the heart and lungs, instead passing it through a heart-lung machine which maintains the vital functions of oxygenating the blood and removing carbon dioxide. This procedure enables the surgeon to operate on a still and bloodless heart, facilitating the repair or replacement of diseased or damaged heart valves, arteries, or tissues.
During a heart-lung bypass procedure, the patient is first connected to the heart-lung machine through tubes, known as cannulas, placed in the blood vessels. The machine is composed of a pump, an oxygenator, and a heat exchanger. The pump propels blood through the machine, while the oxygenator infuses it with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide. The heat exchanger maintains the blood at the optimal temperature.
This technique allows the surgeon to stop the heart while still delivering oxygenated blood to the body, ensuring that the vital organs receive an adequate supply of oxygen and remain functioning throughout the procedure. The heart-lung bypass machine effectively takes over the role of the heart and lungs, allowing the surgical team to perform intricate cardiac procedures safely.
Heart-lung bypasses have revolutionized open-heart surgeries, enabling complex procedures that were previously impossible. However, it comes with potential risks, such as blood clotting, bleeding, or a respiratory infection. Therefore, careful monitoring and skilled perfusionists are essential to ensure the safe operation of the heart-lung bypass machine during these critical procedures.
