Which is a true statement about the surface area of natural lungs compared to oxygenators?

The correct answer highlights that oxygenators typically have larger surface areas compared to natural lungs. This is a crucial aspect of their design and function in the context of ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation).

Natural lungs have a remarkable surface area, estimated at around 70 square meters, designed to efficiently facilitate gas exchange. However, when engineering artificial devices such as oxygenators, the surface area can be optimized and increased significantly to enhance gas transfer capabilities. This is achieved through various design features, such as using membranes and various configurations that maximize contact with the blood and the gaseous environment, thereby improving oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal.

This ability to tailor the surface area makes oxygenators a vital component in ECMO setups, where maintaining adequate gas exchange is fundamental for patients, especially in cases of lung failure. Therefore, the statement that oxygenators have larger surface areas accurately reflects the advances in technology that have been made to support patients requiring mechanical support for respiratory or cardiac failure.