Life support equipment encompasses a range of specialized medical devices that are essential for providing critical care and sustaining vital functions in patients with life-threatening conditions. These equipment serve as lifelines in emergency situations and intensive care settings, helping to stabilize patients, maintain organ function, and improve their chances of survival. Some commonly used life support equipment includes:
Ventilators are mechanical devices that assist or replace a patient’s breathing when they are unable to do so adequately. They deliver controlled amounts of oxygen and regulate the flow of air into the lungs, supporting respiratory function.
Defibrillators are used to deliver electric shocks to the heart to restore normal rhythm in cases of cardiac arrest or life-threatening arrhythmias. These devices play a crucial role in resuscitation efforts and can be found in hospitals, ambulances, and public spaces.
Spectrophotometers measure the intensity of light absorbed or transmitted by a sample at different wavelengths. They are widely used in chemistry and biochemistry for quantitative analysis, determining concentrations of substances, and studying the absorption or emission spectra of materials.
These machines are used during cardiac surgeries to temporarily take over the functions of the heart and lungs. They circulate oxygenated blood throughout the body, allowing surgeons to perform intricate procedures on the heart while maintaining vital organ perfusion.
ECMO machines are used to provide temporary life support for patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure. They oxygenate the blood and remove carbon dioxide outside the body, providing time for the heart or lungs to recover.
IABPs are used in patients with severe heart failure or cardiac ischemia. These devices help to improve coronary blood flow and cardiac output by inflating and deflating a balloon in the aorta, assisting the heart’s pumping function.
CRRT machines are used in intensive care units to provide continuous blood filtration and removal of waste products in patients with severe kidney dysfunction. These devices assist in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance.
Hemodialysis machines are used in patients with end-stage kidney failure to filter and purify the blood. They remove waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the body, helping to maintain a balance of electrolytes and fluid levels. These life support equipment are indispensable in critical care settings, emergency rooms, and surgical suites. They provide essential support for patients in critical conditions, allowing healthcare professionals to intervene, stabilize vital functions, and provide the best possible care during life-threatening situations. The continuous advancement of life support equipment is crucial for improving patient outcomes and saving lives in critical medical scenarios.
Depending on the nature of your enquiry, the customer care centre staff will then distribute your request for consultation to the appropriate Laboratory Medicine discipline.
A member of the Medical/Scientific Staff will get back to the requesting healthcare provider within one business day.