Membrane oxygenator
Membrane Oxygenator
A Membrane Oxygenator (pronunciation: mem-brane oxy-gen-ator) is a device used in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) to provide life support to patients whose heart and lungs are unable to provide an adequate amount of gas exchange to sustain life.
Etymology
The term "Membrane Oxygenator" is derived from the words "membrane", which refers to a thin layer of tissue that covers a surface, lines a cavity, or divides a space or organ, and "oxygenator", which refers to a device that adds oxygen to the blood.
Function
The primary function of a Membrane Oxygenator is to act as an artificial lung. It oxygenates the blood and removes carbon dioxide, a process known as Gas Exchange. This is achieved by pumping blood from the patient's body to the oxygenator, where it is oxygenated and then returned to the patient.
Types
There are two main types of Membrane Oxygenators:
- Polypropylene Membrane Oxygenators: These are made from a series of polypropylene fibres, which have a large surface area for gas exchange.
- Silicone Membrane Oxygenators: These are made from a silicone membrane, which is more biocompatible and less likely to cause blood clotting.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Membrane oxygenator
- Wikipedia's article - Membrane oxygenator
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