MEMBRANE OXYGENATORS Meaning and
Definition
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Membrane Oxygenators, also known as membrane lung or artificial lung, are medical devices used in extracorporeal oxygenation to provide respiratory support to patients with severe lung damage or dysfunction. These devices are designed to simulate the gas-exchange function of the lungs by removing carbon dioxide and replenishing oxygen in the blood.
Membrane oxygenators consist of a hollow fiber membrane bundle made of biocompatible materials such as polymethylpentene or polypropylene. These fibers are densely packed to create a large surface area for efficient gas exchange. The device is connected to the patient's circulatory system via cannulas or catheters, redirecting the blood through the membrane bundle.
During extracorporeal circulation, the patient's blood flows on one side of the fiber membrane, while a mixture of oxygen and other gases is circulated on the opposite side. Carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood across the membrane, and oxygen is absorbed, ensuring proper oxygenation of the blood before it is returned to the patient's body.
The membrane oxygenator is an essential component of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) systems and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) machines used during cardiac surgeries. It provides temporary respiratory support, allowing the patient's lungs to rest and recover while maintaining adequate oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal.
The development of efficient and biocompatible membrane oxygenators has significantly improved the outcomes of patients with severe respiratory failure. These devices have revolutionized the field of critical care medicine by offering a reliable method to support lung function, bridge patients to recovery, or serve as a bridge to lung transplantation.
Common Misspellings for MEMBRANE OXYGENATORS
- nembrane oxygenators
- kembrane oxygenators
- jembrane oxygenators
- mwmbrane oxygenators
- msmbrane oxygenators
- mdmbrane oxygenators
- mrmbrane oxygenators
- m4mbrane oxygenators
- m3mbrane oxygenators
- menbrane oxygenators
- mekbrane oxygenators
- mejbrane oxygenators
- memvrane oxygenators
- memnrane oxygenators
- memhrane oxygenators
- memgrane oxygenators
- membeane oxygenators
- membdane oxygenators
- membfane oxygenators
- membtane oxygenators
Etymology of MEMBRANE OXYGENATORS
The word "membrane" originated from the Latin word "membrana", which means "thin layer" or "skin". It was used in English from the early 17th century to refer to a thin, pliable layer or sheet.
"Oxygenator" comes from the word "oxygenate", which is used to describe the process of adding or infusing oxygen to something. "Oxygenate" is derived from the Latin word "oxygenium", which means "oxygen".
Putting the two words together, "membrane oxygenators" refer to devices or systems that use a thin layer or membrane to infuse or add oxygen to a fluid, such as blood, in medical procedures like extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
