The promise of the membrane artificial lung

Membrane lungs are more physiologic than bubble or disc blood oxygenators. Membrane lungs are indispensable in long term perfusions. Recently, there has been a noticeable trend toward use of the membrane lung in open heart surgery. Improper use of the membrane lung lowers its optimum potential and may lead to disenchantment on the part of the user. It is important to recognize that for optimum performance of the membrane lung it is necessary to learn to correctly use the membrane lung.