What does perfusion mean?
Perfusion is the movement or circulation of a fluid through a network of vessels or channels. Its most common medical use refers to blood flow through the body's vascular system, particularly through the capillaries that supply organs and tissues. Clinicians may speak of good or poor perfusion, or measure blood supply to the brain, heart, or another organ. The word can also mean the deliberate introduction of liquid into tissue or an organ, as in keeping a graft moist with a perfusion solution. Perfusion has a precise, technical character and is not ordinarily used as a casual synonym for circulation. In medicine, it is important because insufficient perfusion deprives cells of oxygen and nutrients, while adequate perfusion supports normal tissue function and recovery. The related term reperfusion describes restoring or renewing blood flow after it has been interrupted.
nounThe circulation of blood or another fluid through the body's blood vessels or through an organ or tissue. In medicine, it also refers to the deliberate introduction of fluid into an organ or area of tissue.
- The circulation of blood or another fluid through vessels, capillaries, an organ, or tissue.
- The introduction of a liquid into an organ or area of tissue, especially to moisten or treat it.
"The scan measures blood perfusion in the brain to help identify areas with reduced circulation."
"Doctors monitor cerebral perfusion during surgery to ensure the brain is receiving adequate blood flow."
"Moisture perfusion through the fabric prevented the soil from drying out."
The plural is uncommon but standard in technical writing.
"The researchers compared regional perfusions under several experimental conditions."
Machine perfusion can keep an organ supplied with oxygenated blood while it is being prepared for transplantation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does perfusion come from?
Perfusion comes from Latin perfusio, a noun derived from perfundere, meaning “to pour over” or “to pour through.” In Latin, perfundere could describe pouring a liquid over something or causing liquid to pass through it. English borrowed the term in the context of blood circulation and later extended it to the introduction of fluids into tissues.
Related word forms
How perfusion is actually used
This is primarily a technical term used in medicine, physiology, and biology. It is less common in general speech and is distinct from infusion, which more often describes introducing liquid into the body or a container.
Easily confused with perfusion
Perfusion generally means circulating or introducing fluid through vessels or tissue, whereas infusion usually means introducing a liquid steadily, especially into the bloodstream.