Bubble oxygenator

Bubble oxygenator is a type of oxygenator used in cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. It is a device that adds oxygen to the blood and removes carbon dioxide, a process known as oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal.

History

The bubble oxygenator was first introduced in the 1950s and was the most commonly used oxygenator for cardiopulmonary bypass surgery until the 1980s. It was then replaced by the membrane oxygenator, which is currently the most commonly used oxygenator.

Function

The bubble oxygenator works by bubbling oxygen through the blood. This process increases the oxygen content of the blood and removes carbon dioxide. The oxygenated blood is then returned to the patient's body.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The bubble oxygenator is simple in design and easy to use. However, it has several disadvantages. The bubbling process can damage red blood cells and cause hemolysis. It can also cause air embolism, a serious condition where air bubbles enter the bloodstream and block blood vessels.

See Also

• Cardiopulmonary bypass
• Oxygenator
• Membrane oxygenator
• Hemolysis
• Air embolism

References

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