The oxygenator – often called an artificial lung – enriches the blood with oxygen during
extracorporeal support. During a heart operation, the oxygenator assumes the function of the lungs for up to 6 hours in the case of patients with severe respiratory and/or cardiac disorders.
Gas exchange takes place through special fibers with blood flowing outside and an oxygen/air mixture flowing inside. All oxygenators have a heat exchanger. An oxygenator is always part of a blood-carrying extracorporeal tubing set and is only used once before being disposed.
