Which device takes over the functions of both the heart and lungs during surgical procedures?

• A. Surgical Laser
• B. Electrosurgical Unit
• C. Heart-Lung Machine
• D. Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump

Answer: (C)

During many cardiac surgeries, the heart is stopped so the surgeon can work on a still, bloodless field. A heart-lung machine takes over two essential jobs at once: it pumps blood to circulate through the body and it oxygenates the blood while removing carbon dioxide. This external circuit keeps tissues perfused and properly oxygenated, and it also allows control of temperature. The other devices don’t perform both of these functions: a surgical laser cuts tissue, an electrosurgical unit cuts or coagulates with electrical current, and an intra-aortic balloon pump supports the heart’s workload but does not provide gas exchange or circulation for the entire body.