A bypass pump, in the context of heart surgery, is a key component of a heart-lung machine that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs. It works by redirecting blood, oxygenating it, and then returning it to the body.
Here's how it works based on the provided reference:
- Blood Collection: Blood drains from the superior and inferior vena cava into tubes connected to the machine's reservoir. The superior vena cava carries blood from the upper body, and the inferior vena cava carries blood from the lower body.
- Oxygenation: The collected blood passes into an oxygenator, where it gains oxygen. This process mimics the function of the lungs.
- Pumping and Return: The machine then pumps the oxygenated blood back into the body through a tube connected to the aorta. The aorta is the body's largest artery.
In essence, the heart-lung machine, with its bypass pump, creates a detour for the blood, allowing surgeons to operate on a still, bloodless heart.
