Medically reviewed by Maria M. LoTempio, MD A heart-lung machine is a piece of medical equipment that temporarily takes over the work of the heart and lungs, circulating oxygenated blood throughout ...

The heart muscle needs oxygen-rich blood to do its job. The vessels that feed the heart are called ... During most open-heart surgeries it is necessary to connect you to a heart-lung bypass machine.

making it difficult for blood and oxygen to reach the muscles of the heart. Coronary bypass surgery is one treatment option to help restore blood flow, when other surgical procedures may not be ...