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Reference.org
Cardiopulmonary bypass
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<p>Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) or heart-lung machine, also called the pump or CPB pump, is a machine that temporarily takes over the function of the <a href="/facts/Heart/fF4KSGdk">heart</a> and <a href="/facts/Lung/gTWXI6Fj">lungs</a> during <a href="/facts/Open-heart_surgery/t34fz1hc">open-heart surgery</a> by maintaining the circulation of blood and oxygen throughout the body. As such it is an <a href="/facts/Extracorporeal/ShfXh7xL">extracorporeal device</a>. </p><p>CPB is operated by a <a href="/facts/Perfusionist/VtxVW2lH">perfusionist</a>. The machine mechanically circulates and oxygenates blood throughout the patient's body while bypassing the heart and lungs allowing the surgeon to work in a bloodless surgical field. </p>