- Cardiosurgery
- Video
- Duration: 2:35 min
Inside cardiac surgery: How ECC technology saves lives
Cardiac surgery is a world of precision, teamwork, and responsibility. Every move counts when a patient’s heart is temporarily stopped, and life depends on technology and expertise working seamlessly together. At University Hospital Erlangen, Chief Perfusionist Frank Münch ensures that extracorporeal circulation runs safely and effectively – a process that requires absolute reliability in every component.
Frank Münch
Frank Münch is Chief Perfusionist at University Hospital Erlangen and President of the German Society for Perfusiology and Technical Medicine. His work focuses on one of the most critical aspects of cardiac surgery: ensuring that the patient’s heart and lungs are supported when they cannot function on their own. In the operating room, Frank operates the heart-lung machine, mentors students and physicians, and trains future perfusionists. Beyond theoretical knowledge, practical experience is essential – because every decision during surgery can make the difference between life and death.
How extracorporeal circulation works
During cardiac surgery, the heart-lung machine temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs. Blood is diverted from the body before it reaches the heart, guided through the machine, and pumped into the oxygenator – an artificial lung – where carbon dioxide is removed and oxygen is added. The oxygenated blood then passes through an arterial filter and returns to the body via the aorta, maintaining circulation while the heart is stopped.
Watch the full story
Discover more about Frank Münch’s work and the role of RAUMEDIC tubing in ECC procedures in our dedicated video:
Reliably safe: RAUMEDIC tubing in ECC
Progress in cardiac surgery has always depended on advanced materials — and RAUMEDIC has been a pioneer from the very beginning. RAUMEDIC tubing was already used during the first heart surgery performed in Germany more than 60 years ago and has since been continuously adapted to meet the requirements of extracorporeal circulation. The company’s long-standing involvement in this field has resulted in products characterized by precise manufacturing and material properties designed for consistent performance in critical applications.
Connecting Patients and Technology with Precision
Connecting the heart-lung machine to the patient requires absolute precision and reliability. RAUMEDIC tubing plays a central role in this process, ensuring safe and effective perfusion throughout surgery.
With extremely low manufacturing tolerances, RAUMEDIC tubing minimizes the need for adjustments during surgery – a clear advantage over competing products. This precision reflects RAUMEDIC’s long-standing expertise in polymer processing for medical technology and its commitment to patient safety.
Quality You Can Trust
The production of ECC tubing at RAUMEDIC follows internationally recognized standards for medical devices, including GMP principles and DIN EN ISO 13485. Manufacturing takes place under controlled cleanroom conditions in compliance with ISO 14644, ensuring that the inner lumen of the tubing remains free from contamination.
Each batch of raw material is documented and processed separately, allowing full traceability of every production step even years later. Biological and toxicological tests, such as cytotoxicity and hemolysis evaluations, are carried out to confirm compliance with relevant pharmacopoeia and international guidelines. These measures are designed to guarantee that the tubing meets stringent requirements for biocompatibility and safety in extracorporeal circulation applications.
Material matters: noDOP® PVC technology
Safety is not only a matter of design but also of material choice. While many products still contain DEHP – a plasticizer banned in children’s toys since 2003 but still used in some medical applications – RAUMEDIC relies on noDOP® tubing. “According to studies, these are 300 to 400 times less toxic.”, knows Frank Münch.
This approach reduces patient exposure to harmful substances and underlines RAUMEDIC’s responsibility in international healthcare.
“For us, it is essential to rely on the products we use to guarantee safe and effective perfusion. For me – and especially for our patients – RAUMEDIC tubing is vital for survival.” says Frank Münch.
Because It’s About Life
In cardiac surgery, every decision, every component, and every movement matters — because it’s about life. At RAUMEDIC, this principle drives everything we do: from developing high-precision tubing for extracorporeal circulation to ensuring patient safety through innovative materials and uncompromising quality.
Our commitment goes beyond technology. It’s about trust, responsibility, and the people whose lives depend on reliable solutions. Discover how this philosophy shapes our work and watch the full story in our brand movie:
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