Definition The heart–lung machine is a device for shifting the heart and lung function outside the body. It takes over the pumping function of the heart and the oxygenation function (= oxygenation) of the lungs while the heart is being operated on. A heart–lung machine (HLM for short) is subject to a number of high … Heart-Lung Machine
How long do you have to be connected to the heart-lung machine? How long you have to be connected to the heart–lung machine depends very much on the type of heart surgery that is performed. In general, this time is kept as short as possible to avoid complications as far as possible. At the beginning … How long do you have to be connected to the heart-lung machine? | Heart-Lung Machine
Contraindication Emergencies that require connection to a heart–lung machine often do not provide the time to evaluate the patient’s medical history. The heart–lung machine is an extreme situation for the body, but often the only chance for the person concerned. Although the risk is considerable, failure to do so can cost many people their lives. … Contraindication | Heart-Lung Machine
Complications Taking over the heart–lung function with the help of the heart-lung machine is a serious intervention in the body and can bring about a variety of complications. The blood is moved through the artificial circuit of the machine and this material is completely different from the natural blood vessels. If the blood is not … Complications | Heart-Lung Machine
Miniaturized extracorporeal circulation (MECC) This is a miniaturized version of the heart–lung machine with fewer side effects.Since the use of HLM involves a number of risks, the researchers developed it further and tried to find a less invasive and less risky mechanism. By reducing the size of the device, the foreign body surface that comes … Miniaturized extracorporeal circulation (MECC) | Heart-Lung Machine
What’s a post-op delirium? Postoperative delirium is an acute, mostly temporary state of confusion and is also known as a transitional syndrome or acute organic psychosyndrome. It occurs in 5-15% of all patients. At the same time, various functions of the brain are restricted. There are changes in consciousness, thinking, moving, sleeping and feeling. It … Postoperative delirium
The symptoms The postoperative delirium usually develops within the first four days after an operation/general anaesthetic. Affected patients usually suffer from disorientation, especially a temporal and situational confusion. The orientation to the place and the person is rather intact. Further symptoms are anxiety and restlessness, patients often react irritably or even aggressively towards nursing staff … The symptoms | Postoperative delirium
The treatment The therapy consists of various measures. For all elderly or general patients in intensive care units, basic measures to maintain orientation (glasses, hearing aids) should be carried out. A regular and extended mobilisation, the avoidance of dehydration, as well as a balanced diet and the maintenance of the sleep-wake rhythm can prevent the … The treatment | Postoperative delirium
