Perfusion Technology

Perfusion technology is the specialized use of artificial machines and sterile tubes to sustain life of patients undergoing surgery of major organs. Perfusion is derived from the French word "perfuse" meaning "to pour through."

History

• La Gallois first conceived the concept of artificial circulation in 1813, but it wasn't until 1945 that a Dutch inventor Willem Kolff invented the first artificial heart.

Types

• Ailments that use perfusion technology include coronary heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, heart valve disease, respiratory failure, kidney failure and heart, lung or kidney transplants.

Features

• Perfusionists insert sterile tubes called cannulas into the patient's bloodstream. These cannulas are attached to the perfusion machine, which regulates the circulation of blood during surgery.

Significance

• The perfusion machine acts as an artificial organ--heart, lungs, liver or kidney--and controls the rate of circulation. Perfusion technology can be used to stop blood flow to a limb when drugs must be injected directly into the bloodstream.

Considerations

• Perfusion technology can be taken as a major in college where students study anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics and electronics.