What is the purpose of the heart-lung machine?

• A. Provide artificial oxygenation & circulation during induced cardiac arrest
• B. Provide anesthesia
• C. Monitor cardiac rhythm
• D. Provide analgesia

Answer: (A)

The heart-lung machine provides artificial oxygenation and circulation during times when the heart is stopped for surgery. It drains blood from the venous system, oxygenates it, and removes carbon dioxide, then pumps it back into the arterial system to maintain organ perfusion while the heart is paused for precise coronary work. This enables the surgeon to operate on a still, bloodless field and also allows temperature and perfusion control during the procedure. Anesthesia, monitoring, and analgesia are managed separately and are not the purpose of the machine.