Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Machine, heart-lung
Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026
Machine, heart-lung: A machine that does the work both of the heart and of the lungs: pumping and oxygenating blood. Blood returning to the heart is diverted through a heart-lung machine before being returned to arterial circulation. Such machines may be used during open-heart surgery. Also known as pump-oxygenator or cardiopulmonary bypass machine.