ELi5: How are lung transplants performed? How is oxygen still pumped into the patient’s blood, when the lungs are literally removed from the body?

Question

Modern medicine is incredible in so many ways. This is just a random question I was curious about. Can any surgeons or doctors explain the process, step by step? Thanks. 🙂

In: 5

Answer 1

It’s pretty complex, and I’m not a doctor, but we can basically divert your blood away from the heart and lungs, pump it externally, and oxygenate it externally.

It’s called a [cardio-pulminary bypass machine](https://www.verywellhealth.com/cardiopulmonary-bypass-machine-used-for-surgery-3157220)