BLOOD OXYGENATOR
CUSTOMER: Medtronic / Medical Equipment
PROJECT DETAILS:
A Blood Oxygenator is a medical device that is capable of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood of the human patient during surgical procedures that may require the interruption or cessation of blood in the body. These can be the heart, lungs, or liver, while the vessels can be the aorta, pulmonary artery, pulmonary veins or vena cava. More correctly, the device should be called a “gas exchanger” because it also transports carbon dioxide, anesthetics, and possibly other gases into and out of the circulation. In addition, all modern oxygenators have integral heat exchangers and also serve as the main reservoir and a filter for blood returned from the cardiotomy suction. Thus, the oxygenator performs all major functions of the natural lungs except for their endocrine function, which can be suspended for a short time without major ill effects. An oxygenator is typically utilized in cardiac surgery in conjunction with a heart-lung machine.
