We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is the Blood Pump?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,234
Share

The blood pump is a medical device for pumping blood, using a system known as a roller or peristaltic pump that works by squeezing tubing to force blood through. Early versions of this device date to the middle of the 19th century. Today, people use blood pumps for cardiopulmonary bypass, some transfusion procedures, and supporting patients in heart failure. Many medical device manufacturers produce blood pumps and accessories.

Pumping blood presents a number of challenges, including the desire to maintain a consistent rate of flow and the need to keep it wholly sterile. The blood pump uses lines of tubing with no seals, gaskets, and other weak points. Rollers compress and release the tubing to force the blood through, a method known as peristalsis. This mimics some internal processes; the intestines work in the same way, for example.

The blood pump controls the flow of blood under the direction of the operator, keeping it consistent and regular. After use, the technician can remove the tubing and replace it when necessary for another procedure, maintaining sterility and reducing the risk of passing infections between patients. Similar pump designs are also available for activities like infusions, where doctors pass fluids through a roller pump on their way to the patient to provide patients with pain management, medications, nutrients, and other needs.

One of the most common applications is in cardiopulmonary bypass, using the heart-lung machine to replace the function of the heart and lungs while a patient is in surgery. Rerouting the blood allows a surgeon to work in a clean field and expands the number of procedures a doctor can perform. In this case, the blood pump circulates fluid extracorporeally during the procedure, under the supervision of a technician. When the surgeon is ready, the technician can take the patient off bypass and allow the heart and lungs to take over. Invention of bypass was a significant development in cardiothoracic surgery.

The blood pump also has applications for supporting the heart of a patient in heart failure. When the heart can no longer pump on its own, extracorporeal circulation may be a temporary solution to support the patient through treatment or while waiting for a donor organ. It requires a significant commitment to care on the part of patients and family members, and is not a widespread practice. Development of smaller pumps, including wearable units, could make this option more widely available.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-blood-pump.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.