Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a technique that temporarily takes over the function of the
heart and
lungs during
surgery, maintaining the circulation of blood and the oxygen content of the body. The CPB pump itself is often referred to as a
heart–lung machine or "the pump". Cardiopulmonary bypass pumps are operated by
perfusionists. CPB is a form of
extracorporeal circulation.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is generally used for longer-term treatment.