How are patients kept alive between the time the damaged heart is removed and when it is replaced with a healthier one?
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a cardiopulmonary bypass machine is used. The blood vessels out of the heart and returning to the heart are cannulated with tubes that divert blood into the CPBM where it is warmed, oxygenated and prevented from clotting before being pumped back into the patients circulation. The CPBM mimics /replaces the function of the heart and lungs while the patient is connected to it.
A Perfusionist, a medical specialty, is responsible for the operation of the machine. Including continued operation in a power failure.
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