Perfusion

Pumping a liquid into an organ or tissue.

Delivery of oxygen and other nutrients to the tissue by the blood.

The process of passing a liquid through vessels, an organ or tissue, e.g. the flow of blood into lung tissue.

Pumping a liquid (especially blood) into an organ or tissue, usually by the way of blood vessels. Usually refers to delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells, organs, and tissues via the circulatory system. Evaluation of a patient’s level of organ perfusion is an important determination, especially to diagnose early shock. Decreased tissue perfusion results in subtle changes, such as aberrant mental status, far before a patient’s vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate) appear abnormal.

Passage of fluid and gases through vessels in an organ.

The passage of fluid through a tissue, especially the passage of blood through the lung tissue to pick up oxygen from the air in the alveoli, which is brought there by ventilation, and release carbon dioxide. If ventilation is impaired deoxygenated venous blood is returned to the general circulation. If perfusion is impaired insufficient gas exchange takes place.

Pouring through, especially the circulating of blood or other liquid through an organ or tissue. In certain cardio-vascular surgery, this flow is assisted by mechanical pumping devices, such as a heart-lung machine.

The transfer of fluid through a tissue. For example, when blood passes through the lung tissue, dissolved oxygen perfuses from the moist air in the alveoli to the blood. Fluid may also be deliberately introduced into a tissue by injecting it into the blood vessels supplying the tissue. It is used as a sign of how adequate the circulation is at the time of illness. Poor peripheral perfusion, a sign of circulatory collapse or shock, is recognized by pressing on the skin to force blood from capillaries. The time it takes for them to refill and the skin to become pink is noted: more than 5 seconds, and the circulation is likely to be compromised.