What does oxygenator mean?
An oxygenator is a medical device that adds oxygen to blood. It is most commonly encountered as a component of a heart-lung machine used during cardiopulmonary bypass, when the patient's blood is diverted outside the body so that surgeons can operate on the heart. In this setting, the oxygenator takes over the gas-exchange function of the lungs, adding oxygen to the blood and helping remove carbon dioxide. The term can also refer to devices used in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, which temporarily support both breathing and circulation in patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure. Although “oxygenator” may sound similar to “respirator,” the distinction is important: a respirator assists a patient’s breathing, whereas an oxygenator oxygenates circulating blood outside the body.
nounAn apparatus that supplies oxygen to blood, especially the component of a heart-lung machine that oxygenates circulating blood during cardiopulmonary bypass.
- An apparatus or device that supplies oxygen to blood, particularly during cardiopulmonary bypass or other extracorporeal circulation.
"The oxygenator maintained the patient's blood oxygen level throughout the operation."
"The surgical team checked the oxygenator before the patient was placed on bypass."
"An extracorporeal membrane oxygenator can support breathing and circulation in patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure."
Used when referring to multiple devices of this kind.
"The hospital replaced several of its oxygenators before the next operating day."
An oxygenator performs part of the lungs' essential job while a heart-lung machine temporarily takes over circulation during major surgery.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does oxygenator come from?
The word combines the combining form “oxygen-” with the suffix “-ator,” a form associated with instruments or devices that perform an action. “Oxygen” was coined in the late 18th century from Greek roots meaning “acid-producer,” a name initially given to the gas then thought to be the acid-forming component of air. The technical sense of “oxygenator” developed in the 20th century as medical technology made it possible to oxygenate blood outside the body.
Related word forms
How oxygenator is actually used
This is primarily a technical medical term. In clinical descriptions, it usually refers to a component of a heart-lung machine rather than equipment used to deliver oxygen directly through a patient's airway.
Easily confused with oxygenator
A respirator helps a person breathe by filtering air or supplying breathable gas, whereas an oxygenator oxygenates blood within an extracorporeal circuit.
An oxygen concentrator separates oxygen from room air for delivery to a patient, while an oxygenator adds oxygen to blood outside the body.